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Shopping Cart Shuffle to help Neighborhood Food Pantries meet an increased need

Shopping Cart Shuffle to help Neighborhood Food Pantries meet an increased need

Going to the grocery store these days can cost up to double what it did just a year ago. And that is just for the staples. It can be even more when you want to add fresh fruits or vegetables.

Area food pantries are also feeling the crunch, both with money and the extra clients they are serving.

Heather L. Kash, development director for Neighborhood Food Pantries, which has six locations in DuPage County, says the organization served more than 10,500 individuals in its last fiscal year.

For many families, it is a choice between paying the rent or utilities or buying food.

The organization, which has been around since 1999, allows families to shop for nutritious food with dignity, just like they would at the grocery store.

The organization teams with local grocery stores, churches and businesses to keep their shelves full.

It also holds various fundraisers, including the upcoming Shopping Cart Shuffle, which will take place Aug. 6 in Hanover Park.

Kash talks about Neighborhood Food Pantries and its upcoming event.

Q: What is Neighborhood Food Pantries? Give a brief overview of what the organization does and who you serve.

A: We are a network of food pantries located in DuPage County. Our six pantries are located in Carol Stream (two locations), Glendale Heights, Warrenville, Wayne and West Chicago. Pantry guests can visit our sites weekly and receive a variety of meats, dairy, fresh produce and shelf-stable items.

Q: Where do the majority of your donations come from?

A: We are fortunate to partner with local grocery stores, which provide both fresh, frozen and shelf-stable items before they reach their expiration date. We also receive donations from local food drives held by businesses, organizations, churches and individuals, as well as financial support from local churches, foundations, individuals, and events like our annual 5K.

Q: How many people per year do you serve?

A: In our last fiscal year we served more than 10,500 individuals, almost 40% of them children, through more than 25,000 visits to our pantries.

Q: What are some of your programs?

A: Our primary program is providing food to our pantry guests. Guests are able to "shop" our pantries, making food selections that are right for their family at no cost to them. Through our partnerships with local stores, we are also able to keep fresh, healthy food that is nearing expiration from heading to the landfills.

Q: Tell us about the Shopping Cart Shuffle.

A: This year's event takes place Saturday, Aug. 6, at Mallard Lake Forest Preserve, Schick Road and Mallard Lane, Hanover Park.

Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. The 500 m Kids' Dash starts at 8:15 a.m., followed by the 5K Walk/Run and 2K Walk at 8:30 a.m.

The event is designed for both serious runners and casual walkers alike. Our 5K is chip-timed and USATF-certified for serious runners, complete with awards for times based on age group.

It also has a 2K walk for those who want to support the mission but aren't ready for a full 5K. There is a Kids' Dash before the event as well.

We are also offering a virtual option for those who can't make the event.

It is a great opportunity for businesses, families and other organizations to sign up as a team for a fun, family-friendly event.

Q: How can people participate?

A: Register at bit.ly/SCS5K2022. The cost is $45 in advance and $50 race day; Kids Dash is $20.

Q: How can readers help if they can't participate in the event?

A: Make a donation to the event at bit.ly/SCS5K2022, or explore our other events at www.neighborhoodfp.org/event.

Sign up at bit.ly/3b2Drcf to be a monthly donor. Just $19 a month will feed one local family every month.

To learn more, visit www.NeighborhoodFP.org.

Q: What else would you like readers to know?

A: We rely on the generosity of so many local individuals, businesses and organizations to help us fulfill our mission. We hope that you will join us for this fun, family-friendly event!

• • •

Shopping Cart Shuffle

What: A walk/run fundraiser to benefit Neighborhood Food Pantries

When: Saturday, Aug. 6. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. The 500 m Kids' Dash starts at 8:15 a.m., followed by the 5K Walk/Run and 2K Walk at 8:30 a.m. There is also a virtual option available.

Where: Mallard Lake Forest Preserve, Schick Road and Mallard Lane, Hanover Park

Cost: $45 in advance and $50 race day; Kids Dash is $20

Register: bit.ly/SCS5K2022

Details: neighborhoodfp.org

The top female finishers at the 2021 Shopping Cart Shuffle. The event is designed for both serious runners and casual walkers alike. There is even a virtual option available. courtesy of Neighborhood Food Pantries
The Shopping Cart Shuffle is a family-friendly event that winds through the trails at Mallard Lake. All proceeds benefit Neighborhood Food Pantries, which has six locations in DuPage County. courtesy of Neighborhood Food Pantries
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