HELPING THE HUNGRY IN DUPAGE COUNTY In this issue, we have showcased unique and beautiful kitchens. Through the pictures and descriptions, you can imagine all the delicious meals being made and served out of them. However, it might surprise you to hear that in DuPage County, over 7,000 families a year need assistance to secure food to make meals out of their kitchens. Since 1975, People’s Resource Center (PRC) has provided food pantries for that very purpose to those who fight hunger and poverty every day in DuPage County.
PRC’s Food Pantries allow clients to make a choice for their meals. Families can choose food from the shelves rather than receive a box of pre-chosen items. PRC has two Pantries (Wheaton and Westmont) that are open five days a week, and clients can visit twice a month. Food choices always include fresh produce, dairy, frozen meat, bread and bakery items, along with canned and boxed staples. Over 3,000 families visit the Food Pantries each month, and each family leaves with a shopping cart of food worth approximately $140.
“The majority of the food comes from community donations, including local grocery stores, restaurants, schools, churches, food drives and individuals,” says Susan Manning, Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator for People’s Resource Center. “Volunteers help us stock shelves and assist clients with their shopping.”
Another way to help PRC, Manning explains, is their Dine Away Hunger (DAH) program which raises money for the Pantries, making it easier for the organization to purchase healthy, nutritious food. Each month on a predetermined date, various restaurants donate 10% of their sales (excluding alcohol) directly to the Food Program. The Dine Away Hunger program has raised $220,000 since its inception in 2003.
On March 21st, four local DuPage Culver’s will host a DAH event; participating locations include Addison, Carol Stream, Darien and Downers Grove. To find out about upcoming DAH events, becoming a volunteer at one of their pantries, or donating food or money, visit PRC’s website at www.peoplesrc.org.
Mindy’s March Giving Inspiration:
Take some time to do a little spring cleaning in your pantry, and take extra canned goods to the local food pantry.
ABOUT THE WRITER Mindy Kyle is the owner of Be Inspired Studios and is passionate about helping people discover what brings them joy and to live a full, healthy and happy life. She has her Masters in Fine Arts degree in creative writing from DePaul University and lives in Naperville with her husband, three children and the cutest dog in the land.
