Dziuba: Dundee Twp. food pantry needs rise

Blame it on rising gasoline prices, a cold spring or struggling economy in general, but demand for free food at Dundee Township's FISH Food Pantry is increasing.

At a time of year when the need traditionally has gone down because of the start of seasonal jobs, this year the need is going up, said FISH President Marilyn Mack.

“Last month, we served 393 families. The previous month we served 344 families,” she said. “I don't know what the reason is, but more people are coming to us.”

Some of the clients have told FISH volunteers they need food from the Carpentersville-based pantry because they no longer can rely on state-funded programs. To reduce budget deficits, officials have cut funds and have forced residents to look elsewhere to put food on their families' tables.

Others must decide between putting gas in their cars or buying groceries.

“We've been able to keep up with the demand so far, but we're getting low on monetary donations,” Mack said. “We still have to buy a good portion of our perishable and nonperishable items from the (Northern Illinois) food bank.”

Those items include meat, diapers, laundry detergent and some toiletries.

The food drive conducted last month during the Thom McNamee Memorial St. Patrick's Day Parade of Dundee helped fill the pantry's shelves and coffers, but the demand is quickly depleting them.

“Those items came to us when we needed them,” Mack said. “Volunteers showed up at our door with four large shopping carts and a few hundred dollars. We try to make them last as long as we can, but it's not easy.”

With Easter approaching, the demand is expected to continue through the end of the month, she said. Clients should not expect to receive hams unless a truckload is donated.

“Besides money, what we really need are some toiletries such as toothpaste and deodorant,” she said. “Many people don't realize that when we have those items we give them out, too.”

Nonperishable food, such as boxed cereal, canned vegetables, soup and pasta is also needed.

The pantry is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. It is in the Meadowdale Shopping Center, along Route 25. To make a donation, call (847) 428-4357.