West Suburban Community Pantry receives $545k in state grants
State Rep. Anne Stava (D-Downers Grove) has obtained two grants from the state of Illinois totaling $545,000 in support of West Suburban Community Pantry’s efforts to provide food and support services to the growing population of DuPage and Will counties facing food insecurity.
A grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services to West Suburban Community Pantry in Woodridge for $500,000 was approved and awarded to the pantry to support operations in sourcing and distributing food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity in DuPage and Will counties. In addition, Stava was able to secure $45,000 in funding from the Department of Commerce and Economic Development.
Stava began talking with the pantry in early 2024 about increased need in the community and the numerous ways West Suburban Community Pantry was meeting the challenge. The pantry’s commitment to accessibility of both nutritious foods and services, by connecting neighbors with support including SNAP benefits, utility assistance and job training were evident in her discussions.
The IDHS grant is one of the largest ever received by the pantry and it comes at a critical time. The pantry is currently serving 1.000 families each week.
“At a time when our neighbors are experiencing so much uncertainty and diminished resources from the federal government, this grant had made a transformational impact on the pantry’s ability to meet our community’s needs,” said CEO Maeven Sipes. “The pantry had over 48,000 visits from DuPage and Will counties last year, a 15% increase from the prior year. We provided 3.2 million meals, and we are anticipating even greater need in the coming months. Thanks to support from the community, the state of Illinois and Rep. Stava, we will be better equipped to meet that need.”
“As communities across our state reckon with cuts to critical services including food stamps and farm subsidies that will almost certainly have far-reaching impacts on our food supply and the ability of Illinois families to access proper nutrition, the work of organizations like West Suburban Community Pantry — already important — will become even more so,” Stava said. “We can’t build a brighter future for everyone in our state without making sure that every family and community can share in it. Having partners in that endeavor — like WSCP — is a big help, and I’m proud to help them secure state funding to invest in their mission.”
West Suburban Community Pantry provides food and resources to people facing hunger, unlocking access to nutritious meals and strengthening hope for tomorrow. Rooted in the community for more than 30 years, the pantry offers an in-person food pantry in Woodridge, an Online Market, and senior home delivery to households in DuPage and Will counties. Support services connect families to financial assistance, community resources and a variety of free workshops for both adults and children. The pantry relies on donations of any amount. Even one dollar can provide more than one meal. Visit wscpantry.org and Facebook and Instagram to learn more.