Conceived as a way of addressing needs in the local community, the Spartan Food Pantry will soon have its debut opening. Operated out of West Elementary School, the Spartan Food Pantry will provide health foods to any member of the community that currently has a student with the school district. Originally conceived as a project for her Masters in Social Work through Our Lady of the Lake University, the Spartan Food Pantry has been spearheaded by West Elementary’s Health Assistant, Atlee Mathews.
The first year of the program is entirely funded by the Northern Illinois Food Bank (NIFB), including the costs for all equipment. If the first year pilot is successful, then a 501(c)(3) organization will be formed to continue the operation of the program. An initial Board of Directors has been formed consisting of Kristina Crawford (West Elementary School Principal), Courtney Walz (Director of OSCAR), Allyson Cooley (West Elementary School Parent), Riley Oncken (Attorney), and Eric Jones (Financial Advisor).
The pantry will open biweekly starting October 3, 2018, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 pm. The program will only be possible thanks to volunteers who will help with setting up the pantry and operating it during the two monthly openings. Groups or individuals interested in volunteering or donating are encouraged to call West Elementary at 815-899-8199 or email the program at SpartanFoodPantry@syc427.org.