While local food pantries can purchase a bulk of what they need from the Northern Illinois Food Bank at a much better price than if they went to a grocery store, there’s always something in short supply, pantry directors said.
For example, in February, COOL Ministries in Waukegan and Ingleside typically runs out of oatmeal, pancake mixes and other hot breakfast items.
“We seem to run low on those this time of year, and in summer we need more peanut butter and jelly and canned fruit,” said Diane Thackston, the pantry’s executive director.
PLAN, a pantry in Round Lake Beach, almost always needs shampoo, toothpaste, laundry detergent, razors, shaving gel and diapers, according to founder and director Michael Pimpo.
“And dishwasher soap,” he added. “It’s expensive.”
Warren Township Food Pantry mostly needs paper products, said Stephanie Smuda, food pantry coordinator.
“We could use napkins, paper towels, toilet paper and Kleenex,” she said. “Treats (like cookies and candy) would be nice, too.”
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“We do have some people who go to the store monthly, and they give us large donations of groceries,” Smuda added. “We have people who give us monetary donations. It depends on what they prefer.”
People can still drop off groceries and other items at many of the county’s local food pantries, but the coordinators suggested checking web sites or calling to see what the biggest needs are.
For information on Lake County food pantries and other social service organizations visit www.findhelplakecounty.org. Search “food” to find a list of 67 food pantries in Lake County.
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun