Mariano's Northbrook shoppers restock food pantry shelves

Mariano's Northbrook store and its customers demonstrated the spirit of giving by purchasing bags of food to help stock the Moraine Township Food Pantry in Highland Park as part of their Chicagoland "Stuff The Squad" program, in partnership with local police stations.

"During July, customers were asked to purchase $5 or $10 bags of food for Moraine's Food Pantry," said Nick Durso, Mariano's Northbrook store manager. "Customers responded, purchasing 159 bags of food for the Pantry."

Moraine Township Supervisor Anne Flanigan Bassi expressed appreciation for the generosity of Mariano's customers and the effort of their staff.

"With 26 percent of our Highland Park/Highwood elementary students qualifying for the Federal Free/Reduced Lunch program, food insecurity is a reality in our community," Bassi said.

"Community food drives for our pantry fall off over the summer months, but use of our pantry does not. This successful food drive will help us keep up with demand."

Moraine Township's Food Pantry is supported by donations from the community and is open to all income-qualified Moraine Township residents.

Clients are invited to visit the pantry, 777 Central Ave., Highland Park, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and other times by appointment. Pantry visitors receive shelf-stable food, fresh produce and eggs, cheese or meat.

For information, call Moraine Township at (847) 432-3240, email super@morainetownship.org or visit www.morainetownship.org.