Food crisis in suburbs is real

In your recent editorial applauding the DuPage County Board for bestowing funds from the American Rescue Plan to local food pantries, you referred to the increasing need for food as a crisis. And indeed, it is. The West suburban Community Food Pantry, headquartered in Woodridge and serving DuPage and Will Counties saw a 70% increase last fiscal year with a significant increase continuing today.

In fact, we are averaging serving over 9,200 neighbors with food and support each month and adding 100 new families a week. For those working, the struggle to stretch paychecks to meet expenses is real. And there are many individuals who are unable to work due to age, health, disability or lack of affordable child care. These are the people we see streaming into our pantry or receiving help through our online market. These are the people who need additional resources beyond food.

We strive to serve them with care, convenience and dignity. We innovate to increase our reach through language accommodations, remote locations, online ordering, and agency partnerships. And yet the lines at our door get longer.

You closed your editorial saying, “it’s up to all of us in the suburbs to do whatever we can to help our neighbors.” Thank you for reminding us that we all must help to serve the individuals, families and seniors who live next door, who struggle to get the nourishment to allow them to learn, work, stay healthy and thrive. We welcome donations of food, funds, or volunteers to help us in the fight.

Suzanne Armato, CEO

West suburban Community Pantry

Woodridge