South Loop Food Pantry looks for volunteers

Clients in line at food pantry

South Loop Community Church Food Pantry, 1347 S. State St., is looking for volunteers to help with their food pantry and clothes closet ministries. The church will be holding a brief introduction meeting on volunteer opportunities, Wednesday July 16, 2014 at 7:15 p.m.

In operation for over two years, the food pantry serves between 85 and 100 walk-ins every week. If you’re looking for a way to serve or give back to your community, volunteering at the food pantry might be for you. The food pantry needs volunteers on Saturday mornings, when food distribution takes place, as well as during the week to help with accepting food deliveries and restocking shelves.

Food distribution is every Saturday, 9-11 a.m. Three times a month, the pantry also offers fresh produce. The clothes closet distributes clothes and accessories for men, women, and children twice a month. The clothes closet operates the second and third Saturdays of every month during the food distribution. After food pantry clients get their food, they can look at clothing.

Click here to download flyer.

The food pantry has partnered with local businesses, like Overflow Coffee Bar, Marianos, Pret A Manger, and Urban Re-Mix, and community organizations like Greater South Loop Association (GSLA). The GSLA contributed $1000 to the help the pantry buy turkeys last year for Thanksgiving baskets.

For more information, visit the church’s Web site or contact them via e-mail at southloopcommunitychurch@gmail.com or call the church office at 312.566.9076.

For a look at how the food pantry operates, check out this post from local South Loop blogger Bonnie McGrath.

If you would like to promote this volunteer event in your building or office, click here to download flyer.


Full disclosure: The writer of this blog is a regular volunteer at the South Loop Community Church Food Pantry. It’s been a rewarding experience serving folks in need from our  neighborhood.

Get ready for “Meatless Mondays in May—Mmmm!”

Alliance for a Greener South Loop is hosting a “Meatless Mondays in May” community kick-off event on Saturday March 24, 2012, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. at South Loop Community Church, 1347 S. State St. Attendees will have an opportunity to sample meat-free fare from local restaurants.

In addition to sampling meatless menu items from participating South Loop restaurants, participants will:

• Hear performances by the Jones College Prep High School jazz band and the South Loop Elementary School choir
• Learn about the environmental benefits of eating less meat and how to get involved in this earth-friendly campaign.
• Win great, green raffle prizes, such as I-Go Car Sharing certificate, Kill-a-Watt Energy Meter, CTA One-Day Transit Cards, Bicycle Helmet, Bicycle Air Pump, Bicycle Lights, Herb Garden Starter Kits, and more!

RSVP is required (info@greenersouthloop.com) and participants are asked to bring a food donation for the church’s food pantry.

Invited guests include Alderman Robert Fioretti and Alderman Pat Dowell.

The Alliance for a Greener South Loop works to make the South Loop a greener place to live, work, and play.  We engage South Loop individuals, businesses, buildings, institutions, and city agencies so that we all “tread more lightly on the earth.”