Church volunteers help at pantry

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Volunteers from First Presbyterian Church of La Grange helped sort donated food for the Food Pantry at Second Baptist Church.

Updated: April 7, 2012 1:13PM

A contingent of more than 25 volunteers from First Presbyterian Church of La Grange joined ranks with the Second Baptist Food Pantry in La Grange to sort over 5,000 pounds of donated food Dec. 29. The food was donated by La Grange Cub Scout Pack 177, LaGrange Highlands Elementary School, Highlands Middle School and local churches.

The Food Pantry at Second Baptist is part of the Greater Chicago Food Depository network of 650 pantries in Cook County. This pantry serves La Grange and surrounding communities. It is open 10 a.m. to noon every Monda. About 3,000 pounds of food is distributed monthly from this location. Each participating family or individual can pick up food twice a month. About 100 families or individuals visit the pantry regularly. Food is prepackaged in bags and boxes according to family size.

About 60 percent of the pantry’s food comes from the Chicago Food Depository. The rest of the food comes from donations and purchases. The pantry is able to purchase additional food from the Chicago Food Depository at a fraction of retail cost. In addition, Dominick’s donates a weekly supply of fresh produce, breads and pastries. First Presbyterian donates food regularly.

Donations can be made out to Second Baptist Food Pantry and sent to 26 Washington Ave., La Grange IL 60525. Cash donations are preferred as they can purchase food from the Chicago Food Depository at a fraction of the retail cost.

Nonperishable food items (non expired items) can be delivered to the pantry between 8 and 10 a.m. Mondays.