Vernon Township joins Lincolnshire Independence Day Parade to support food pantry
Vernon Township Food Pantry volunteers will proudly march in Lincolnshire’s annual Independence Day Parade on Thursday, July 4, starting at 10 a.m. from the corner of Lincolnshire Drive and Londonderry Lane. The marchers will raise awareness for the pantry and collect donations to help restock its shelves.
Residents are encouraged to bring nonperishable items, such as: Canned fruit; boxed potatoes; condiments; beans and rice; canned protein, such as tuna and chicken; and toilet paper and paper towels.
Volunteers will distribute cards with QR codes linking to a list of the pantry’s most needed items and instructions for future donations.
The Vernon Township Food Pantry, operating for more than 25 years, follows a “client choice” model, allowing residents to select preferred items. This minimizes food waste and maximizes efficiency. Popular items are tracked and included in seasonal wish lists.
“We're excited to invite everyone to the parade and encourage donations to our Food Pantry,” said township Supervisor Tim Kobler. “Your support makes a significant difference in the lives of our community members in need.”
Pre-pandemic, the pantry served an average of 75 families per month. Today, it supports about 175 families monthly — a more than 100% increase attributed to rising living costs.
To access the Food Pantry, residents need a state ID and proof of township residency, such as a current utility bill. The pantry is open on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For emergency food assistance during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., residents can call the township.
Donations are accepted at the Township Administrative Building, 3050 N. Main Street, Buffalo Grove, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. A list of the pantry’s most needed items is available on the township website at vernontownship.com.
For more information, contact Nancy Urice at (847) 634-4600.
The Lincolnshire Independence Day Parade is part of the community’s two-day Red, White & Boom event. To see the full schedule of events, visit lincolnshireil.gov/i-want-to/special-events/red-white-boom-4th.