Message from the Director
The plentiful sunshine AND rain so far this season has truly provided an early promise of a strong harvest for our community gardens this year, and we're so thankful that during these times where it's nearly impossible to stretch a dollar to meet the needs of a household, our Earth sustains.

Nearly everyone is feeling the pinch of inflation, soaring housing and gas prices. It has made our services more critical than ever, but has also reminded us of our commitment to sustainability. That's why this month, we're so proud to share with you the incredible legacy that our composter - the Izzo - is providing for our community.

As always, thank you for your commitment, your compassion and and your support.

Sincerely,

Diane Renner
Executive Director
Gifted composter provides a lasting legacy

Marie Wilkinson’s legacy of fighting hunger for community
neighbors is at the forefront of the MWFP, and we continue to take
on an even broader mission. We know that helping people today is important, and we also know that preserving the environment by making sustainability our way of life is key to ensuring a brighter future for those we would serve. Those goals and values are embodied in the recent gift of a composter.

As mentioned here previously, we are thrilled to grow MWFP's environmental sustainability efforts with help from our, friend Joseph Izzo. Joe formed a Not For Profit called RationAll, where he rescued food from grocery stores, restaurants, and other businesses and delivered food to food pantries and shelters. Unfortunately, Joe lost his fight against cancer. Shortly after, his board voted to dissolve RationAll and divert the funds from his life insurance policy to the MWFP. In honor of our friend, we were blessed to spend these funds by purchasing a food waste composter in his name called “The Izzo”. We believe that Joe would be as thrilled as us to continue to fight food waste and protect our environment.
JOIN US!

Please stay tuned for more information on these upcoming events:

  • Strike Out Hunger - June 26, 1 p.m. at Guaranteed Rate Field (bus will transport to White Sox game).
  • Healthy U - July to September
  • Golf Outing, July 9 (see image)
  • Christmas In July – July 23, 6 to 9 p.m. at Ballydoyle Irish Pub, Aurora (see link below)
  • Harvest Dinner - August 13
  • Fill the Bowls - October 16
For the Men...

Our Purse of Love collections for women were so successful that we were able to distribute 150 purses at both the East and West pantries. Because of your enthusiasm for and support of that effort we decided now is the perfect time to plan a special tribute for the men in our lives.

In honor of Father’s Day, we'll be collecting small toiletries from now until June 24th to share with those in need.

There are many drop off locations throughout the city (see image beside this for a list).

For more information email: relations@mwfoodpantry.org