Page 10 - February 2019 Newsletter

#3481 Park Ridge

Park Ridge Journal

With Food Pantry Demand On Rise,
Community Steps Up

Park Ridge Jewel-Osco Front End Manager, Benny Velazquez (left),
Maine Township Supervisor Laura J. Morask (center), Maine Township Food
Pantry Director Carol Langan meet at the Jewel-Osco to celebrate reaching
the holiday fundraising goal.

Demand for emergency food supplies keeps trending upward due to various challenges related to local emergencies like the fire at The
Landings apartments, the federal government shutdown and the economy. In response, leadership and staff at Maine Township Town
Hall have continued to nourish strong relationships within the township to keep supplies at sustainable levels.
Food can be donated by individuals, businesses and local organizations such as churches, schools and Scout programs who may hold
food drives.
“We are personally doing everything we can to keep up with the demand,” Supervisor Laura J. Morask said. “Local businesses within our
township have really stepped up to meet this challenge. In particular, Jewel-Osco in Park Ridge did such an outstanding group effort
to raise $75,000 of holiday dinners that our board will be presenting their store a special Plaque of Recognition.” That plaque was to be
presented at the township board’s Tuesday, Jan. 22 meeting.
The Jewel-Osco team of employees, led by longstanding front end manager Benny Velazquez, informs residents about a
special donation at checkout which gives each customer the option of purchasing dinner for a family of six people. The donation can be
added to the final bill and customers get to hear an immediate announcement over the store intercom. In 2018, the Park Ridge store was
the #1 fundraising location in the entire company of 2,300 stores. Food Pantry Director Carol Langan and Supervisor Morask visited the
store to personally thank their entire team.
Morask stated: “To be able to meet and thank each one personally on behalf of our Maine Township residents was a shining moment in
this winter weary January. They are the epitome of a true community partner.”
Demand has been steadily increasing to an average of 150 food boxes per month which goes toward feeding over 300 residents per
month within Maine Township. Each box is hand-picked by township staff with dozens of nonperishable food items to help supplement
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the needs of residents in distress. When the emergency food program first started back in 1981 there were only 15 food boxes provided
per month.