Food pantries in Joliet, Illinois, see triple the visits since pandemic, amid rising hunger and funding gaps

St. John Lutheran Church in Joliet, Illinois, is experiencing a significant increase in demand for its food pantry, with visits now three times higher than before the pandemic. The church’s food pantry serves 450 families each month, up from 150 families prior to the pandemic. This surge in need reflects a broader trend of rising hunger across the United States, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which noted that millions more households struggled to secure enough food in 2023 compared to 2021.

Heather Hinthorn, director of the St. John Lutheran Church Food Pantry, described the growing pressure on local food pantries. “We are feeling the pressure,” she said. “Especially at the food pantry level, and this isn’t just my food pantry. We’re all feeling this pressure across the board. And the pressure is because we’re serving more neighbors with less resources.”

Julie Yurko, CEO and president of the Northern Illinois Food Bank, highlighted the financial strain on food assistance programs. “In this time of increased need for food assistance, we are also seeing a decrease in contributions,” Yurko said. “This year, we are expecting to miss our fundraising goal by more than $2 million.”

The St. John Lutheran Church Food Pantry has evolved from a small closet in the church to a full-fledged operation. Customers can order groceries online for pickup on Thursday evenings or choose drive-thru distribution on Saturday mornings. Hinthorn noted that the drive-thru option provides a sense of comfort and anonymity for those accessing food for the first time.

Dawn Mayo, a regular customer, said the pantry has been a lifeline for her elderly neighbors. “It’s gotten them through a year and so I feel like I’m so blessed that this is so close. The people here are wonderful, and the food is good,” Mayo said.

The church’s efforts reflect a commitment to serving the community through practical acts of mercy and neighbor-love. As the need continues to grow, the church and other local organizations remain dedicated to providing food assistance and support to those in need.

Source: Read the original report