Beyond Hunger Spring Newsletter 2021

SPRING 2021

The CAN DO Challenge engages the Home Delivery
whole community in fighting hunger.
Find out more at GoBeyondHunger.org/ Added Space = Added Choice
Events/CanDo
In response to the pandemic, our Home Delivery program grew
Stephanie Schrodt, President almost overnight from serving 80 households each month to
Stacey Williams, Vice President nearly 300. On the heels of that rapid expansion, we acted quickly
Andrew Maychruk, Treasurer to ensure the sustainability of high levels of service.
Cassandra West, Secretary Knowing a dedicated facility to house more food and staff was
Elizabeth Sweeney Backes critical, we turned to our successful model of collaboration and
Townsend Bailey space sharing to find a solution. Enter our partner New Moms who
Cuyler Brown suddenly had a vacancy in their Austin neighborhood facility in
Thomas Gary Chicago.
Susie Goldschmidt When Home Delivery moved into the new facility this February,
Laura Gutierrez program participants immediately felt the impact. More space
Patricia Hannon, MD meant more healthy foods were available to meet individualized
David Henkes health needs. For instance, older adults who have allergies or a
Shawn Joseph hard time digesting dairy products, can now choose a high protein
Donna Myers substitute like almond or soy milk. More fresh produce options
Mark Smylie include carrots, potatoes, and even avocados--alongside a variety
Tyrone Thomas of fruit choices.
Tom Watson As we called each participant to take their personal menu order,
Liz Ziehl those additional choices were met with joy.
Michele Zurakowski, Executive Director
“People are excited to hear that they are going to
STAY CONNECTED: get frozen meat with their delivery this month. It’s
not something we were able to provide before.”
@GoBeyondHunger
@GoBeyondHunger -Adriana, Program Manager
@GoBeyondHunger Thanks in part to a grant from Greater Chicago Food Depository,
@GoBeyondHunger our Home Delivery program will be around for years to come.
www.GoBeyondHunger.org
Learn more about this story and others at GoBeyondHunger.org/news

Donor Spotlight:

The pandemic continues to disrupt the food supply chain
with grocery store shoppers encountering signs that say
“limit one” on shelves. We face similar limitations in
purchasing bulk items for the food pantry. Every cook needs
cooking oil, but that has been difficult for us to source in
family-friendly sized bottles. Another item that’s been hard
to find—tortillas.
Those limitations don’t diminish our commitment to making
sure every box that leaves Beyond Hunger has the foods
that people want and need to cook a full meal for their
families. It’s just increased outreach efforts to make it
happen.
Luckily a few new corporate donors are helping us fill the gaps to serve our community: Columbus Oils,
a female and family-owned local business and El Popocatepetl Tortilliaria. Now every month our pop-up
“Despensa” families receive fresh tortillas. And each box that leaves our food pantry has a bottle of
cooking oil. Donations like this mean that when boxes get packed into car trunks or as people walk
through the pedestrian pantry, everything they need to prepare a meal is right there.
Want to donate canned goods? Items we currently need can be found at GoBeyondHunger.org/donate-food

Partners to the Rescue!

We are committed to sustainable food solutions and work closely with partners in the community to make
sure that good food doesn’t go to waste. In the last year, these partners also helped us procure food when
distribution channels were disrupted and store shelves were bare. Thank you!

Beyond Hunger is grateful for the following new donors*

500/600 Block of Andrew Bettin Harper Cohen Susan Farnun Steve Handoyo Nick Katers
Highland Ave Margaret Bidinger Adrienne Cohen Laurie Faryan Mary Hanna Elizabeth Katzman
500/600 Block of Colleen Biggins Janet Cole Laura Fehlberg Margaret Hansbrough Gavin and Lorraine
Wenonah Ave Anna Biggins Michele Collins Jay Felix Peter and Mary Beth Kearney
AbbVie Linda Binder Gia Colunga Kathleen Ferket Hansen Georgia and Kevin
Gillian Abrahams Sara Bishop Irene Compean Stephanie Ferrera Alyssa Harsha Keleher
Nadine Abrahams Patrick Bittorf Jill Conley FGM Architects John Hart and Carol Prins Lynn Kelley
Access Credit Union Kenneth Blair Margaret Connerty Stacy Fifer Eric Hartin Stephen Kelley
Valerie, Blake, Lennon, Amy Blair Sharon Connor Kathleen Figel Vincent Hartogh Colleen Kelly
Dylan and Graysen Susan Bogner Cheryl and Bill Considine Susan Fink Dave Haschemeyer Kevin Kelly
Achterhof Kristen Boike Laura Conway Jacob Fisher Shelby Hatch Mary Kent
Alexis Acker Bryan Boncosky Jennifer Conway Lois Flaherty Kristin Hawksworth Donna Kersey
Charmagne Ackerman Christine and Brian Sue Cook Jane Flanagan Colette Heaphy Sonya Keyes
Kate Adams Bonomo Michael Cooper Sean Flynn Timothy and Eilene Melissa and John
Geraldine Adeli David Bottger Robert Corcoran FM Global Heckman Kiessling
Jahred Adelman Nora Bouchard Constance Cosgrove Megan Foreman Brad and Rachel Heitman Annemarie Kill
Den Adler Judith Bouchard Tracie and Jeff Cote Birgitta Forsell Teresa Heit-Murray and Cheryl and William
Adobe Inc. Cynthia Boudreau Alice Cottingham Liita Forsyth Sean Murray Kinnaird
Daniel Aiken John Boyaris Dave Coulter Four Seasons Hotels and Fredrick Henry Helen Kinnare Badger
Karen Alanis Lisa and David Bradley Allison Cowett Resorts Becker Henry Terry Kinsey
Rodolfo Alanis Jorie Braunold Tonja Craig Jeffrey Fourman Joe Henson Emily Kirschner
Rosie Albrecht Sean Brennan Charles Cranmer Emily Fox Judith Henson Matthew Kite
Dr. Lynne Albukerk Natalie and Terry Brewer Judith and August Celia Francies Bluma Herman Ellen Klein
Greg and Marian Aldin Glenn Brewer Crivolio David Frantz Ailisa Herrera Peggy and Mark
Marie Alexandre-Drake Kathryn Bridge Victoria Cross Lee Frantz Patrick Herron Kleinschmit
and Tom Ferwell Jim Brightmore Drew Crowley Paul Frantz Elizabeth Hess Adam Kline
John and Heather Alger Brian Brock Florence Cullerton Tavia Frazier Ricky Hill Jessica Klugman
Edward Allard Linda Brooks Susan Curcio John Frazier Constance and Duane Hill Gaby Klugman
Brooke and Graham Allen Ruth Vanderburg and Timothy Czerwionka Michael Fredericks Carolyn Hilliker Vanessa Klugman
Whitney Allen Leonard Brown Alex Czurylo Christine Freeman Dorothea Hines Norbert Knapke
Chris Allen Crystal Brunelle Larry Dahlke Jessica Freiburg Adam Hirsch Kevin Knight
Michael Allen Jordan Bruscianelli Kathleen Dahlstrand Justin Friedeck Robert Hirsch Benjamin L Knowles
Alternative Home Health Phyllis Brzozowska Vincent DalCerro Lisa Friedman John Hodge Courtney Knox
Care Alma Buckner Daniel Daly Henry Fulkerson Carey Hoersten Belinda Knudson
Monica Alvarado Claudia Burgener Wendynal Daniels Melissa Furlette-Koski Lynn Hoffstadter Tony Koenigsknecht
Kevin Ambrose Matthew Burns Claire and Tom Matthew Gaimari and Kim Arunya Hori Laurie Kokenes
American Medical Sue Busiel Dannenberg Unander Kathleen Horn Greg Kolar
Association Megan Butman Seth Darin Cheryl Gallaga Donald Horvath Miriam Kopelow
Susan Anderson Cabot CMP Marilyn Darling General Mills Michael Hotz Lucy Koschmann
Elizabeth Anderson Andrew Cadelli Mary and Jackson Darnall Margaret Gertz Andrew and Cheri Houha Valerie Koster
Matilda Andrews Kristin Caffrey Margie Daschbach Dale Ginsburg John and Gail Houseal Carrie Kovach
Jeremy Andrykowski Katie Cahill Elise Daughhetee Girl Scouts Gary and Ackli Howell Jennifer Kowall
Anfora Wine Merchants Jan and Brian Cahill Judy Davey GlaxoSmithKline Christie Hoyt Liz and Joseph Kozak
Mike Aparicio Alicia and Lawrence Ronald Davies Foundation Eileen Huffman Stefanie Krajewski
Robin Arbetman Calicchio Patricia Davis Michelle Gledhill Penny Hughes Hilit Kravitz
Rachel Arnopolin Vince Callahan Allen Dean Katherine Godwin Judy Humowiecki Francine Kravitz
Jane Ascroft Eileen Campbell Craig Dean Betty Goeb Mikki and Britt Carl Kreiter
Elizabeth Ashcraft Susan Canepa Dana Deane Karla Goettel Hunsberger Michael Kreloff
Jeanne and George Kenneth Caniglia Joseph DeAngelis Christine Golman Amy Hunt Lucy and Kent Krieder
Atkinson Claudine and Al Cantu Janet Deaton Lynne Gonzalez Todd and Laura Huseby Steven Krojniewski
Laurie Augustyn-Fier Teresa Cappello Joseph DeCosmo John Gorgone Jennifer Ierardi Marie Kruse
Nestor and Sarah Paul Carbery Cheryl Delby Peter Graffy James Ihrig Carl Krzystofczyk
Avendano Katherine Cardinale Janel Dennen Granite Creek Capital Bianca Ingwersen Andrea Ksiazek
Baha’i Community of Oak Robert Cares Jean Bacom and David Partners Intrado Corporation Elizabeth Kucaba
Park Todd Carlisle Detmer Carrie and Laurence Grant Christine Ione Linda Kucera
Nate Baker John Caron Sharon Dewar Whitney Gravely William Ipema Kathryn Kundert
Janice Baldwin Nanaruth Carpenter Darla DeWolff Alexandria and John Kevin Iverson Jeffrey Kunkel
Damitha Bandara Diane Carroll Bernadette Diaz and Mark Graves Helen Izworski Sandra Kupelian
Jason Banks Drew and Nicole Carter Trinka David Grazman Faith Jackson Scott Kvasnicka
Patricia Barber Kaellagh Cassidy Kathryn Dickens Amy and Jason Green Mary Jacobs Peg La Plante
Jennifer Barber Caterpillar Foundation Helen Dietz Lisa Green Molly James-Jundak Kathleen Lach
Donna Barbian Natalie Cepeda Rebecca Dill Green Family Foundation Shelly Jamison Tyler Lamkey
Elizabeth Barnes Joyce Chacko Discover Financial Nancy Greer Marilyn Jancewicz Jack and Mimi Lane
Louis and Louise Barnett Murray Chalmers DocuSign Judy and Bill Greffin Marisa Jannaman Lisa Lang
Andrew Barrer Jimmy Chamberlin Adam Doe Marianne and Dave Elizabeth Jarpe-Ratner Gerry Langgut
Ken and Tammy Barrett Kim Chao David Doherty Griebler Sarah Clare Javors Louis LaRocco
Charles and Vicki Bass Mr. Chaudhary Marisa Doherty Don and Kim Vander Karin Jay Leslie Lauderdale
Jonathan and Vanessa Laura Cheesbrough and Charles Donahue Greind Alyssa Jesberger Michelle Lawler
Bass Timothy McGavin Bruce Douglass Julia Griest Regine Jeune Anita Lebling
Katherine Bateman Joanna Chen Mary Dowling Sean Griffin Stefanie Johnson Kimberly LeFlore
Emily Beamer Judith Cheske Courtney and Peter Melissa Grim Eric Johnson Andrea Legatzke
Debbie Becker Jeff Chiu Dublin Sebastien Gros Jimmie Johnson John Leibundguth
Elizabeth Becker Lawrence Christensen Patrick Duffy Devbridge Group Janis Johnston Carolyn Lemley
Robin Behre Rosalinda Christmon Duke Construction Jordan Gru Erica Jones Laura Lencioni
Julia Belanger Karen Christopher Marguerete Durston Thomas Guenthner Denise Jones Nancy Leonard
Christine Bell Chubb Charitable Rosalind Dyson David Gullo Cristin Jones Margaret Leone
Mary Bell Foundation Mary Rita Earle Karen Heil and kevin haag Bernice and Timothy Cynthia Lesky
Sandra Benedetto Christine Chung Peggy Ebersole John Haagenson Juettner Jeffrey Levitt
Janet and Rebecca Jon Ciecka Henry Edouard Sandra Haddock Barbara Julion Gregory Lewis
Bennick Barbara and Dan Cimaglio Bonnie Edwalds TJ Hengesbach and Susan Terri Tyner and Donald Joseph Leyva
Rosa Benusa Cisneros Insurance Cynthia Edwalds Haling Kaczmarek Martha Lichtenberg
Carolyn Berg Agency Group Tiffany Effinger Patrick Hamblin Beverly and David Kagan James Lillis
John Berg Kelli Clark Alison Ehlke Charles Hamilton Katherine Kamholz Lincoln Financial
Martin Berg Clark Construction Group, Pat Eichenold Chris and Jennifer Carrie Kamm Foundation, Inc.
Berkshire Hathway Home LLC Ekonomisk Mgmt, LLC Hamilton Pat Kammeyer Lisa Lindaur
Services Christina Clarke Mary Elder Diane Hammerman Donna Kanapes Ruth Lindenbaum
Joseph Berkson Helen Clary Elizabeth Ele Bob and Cheri Lee Kantz David Lindsey
Shira Bernstein Kelly Clissold Touline Elshafei Hammersley Denise Kaplan Tony Ling
Cindy Bethel Nancy and Ira Cohen Colin Fane Alicia Hammond James Kateeb Michael Linhardt

This list includes FIRST TIME DONORS from July 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. If we attributed your name incorrectly or omitted it, please accept our sincerest apologies and let us know by contacting [email protected].

Emily Linne Margaret Murphy Alexis Reed Sarah Sears Thibodeau Daniel Wolman
Paula Litt Kathryn Murphy Mary and Bill Reed Kate Seavey Christine Thielen Bradley Wolven
Gretchen Livingston Sharon Murphy Caroline Reedy Gilbert Seeber George Thies Barry Wood
Rebecca Loewy Alexis Murphy Catherine Reichl Lori Serradas Samanth Thoma Erin Woods
Andrea Lofgren Zachary Nacev Christopher Reisor Rebecca Severson Tim Thomas Elizabeth Wren
Mary Logas Stephanie Neubauer Resource 1, Inc. Severson Dr. Nicole Thompson Sarah Yaffe
Ann Logue Laura and Matthew Michele Revsine Sarah Severson Mark Thompson Elias Yanaki
Claude Vincent Long III Neuroth Harry Rhodes Terry and Joe Shaker Kaylee Tock Jenny Yang
Karen Lothan Delores Newell Judith Rice Megan Shavers Joel Tosi Johnilee Yankow
Kelly Lougee Kathrine Nichols and Mark Richard Emma Sheedy Joanne Trabert George Yanos and Janet
Julia Loving Alexander Nied Concetta Richio John Sheehan Travelers Community Hagan Yanos
Karen and Steve Lucas Cam Niederman Joshua and Val Ridenour Maura and Steven Sherrill Connections Jean and W. Scott Yarde
Gabriel Lucas Carla Nitz Lesa Rider Benjamin Shobert Talia Treece Donna Yates
David Lucas-Kamm Kathryn Nolte Megan Rigali Lee Shumow Keith and Lisalynn Laura Young
Natalie Luce Jane Norrington River Forest Tennis Club Donald Sibley Tristano Maria Zajac
Margaret Lupiani Gary Northrup Amanda Robert Robert Silverman Tulley Family Charitable Albert Zaniolo
Rachel Lutz Peter Norvid Joelle Roberts Steven Silverstein Fund David Zapata
William Lyman David Novak Kristen Robinson Scott Simmons Susanne Tunney Norman Zavalkoff
Linda Lynch Angie Novakovic Bonita Robinson Marc Simon Lydia Turk Anne Zavalkoff
Pamela Lyons Hannah O?Connor Elizabeth and John Mackenzie Siren Heather Turk Todd Zayti
Marilynn Lystad Oak Park Cycle Club Robinson Joseph Skibbie Nancy Turner Paula Zdziarski West
Karin Lystad OPCC Patrice Roche Kurt Skifstad James Tye Aaron Zerhusen
Phyllis MacAdam Oak Park Education Amy Rode Robert Skrocki Amanda Tyler Frances Zetland
Erik Madsen Foundation Allison Rodgers Lucille Skuteris Tyson Foods Christine Zielinski
Mark Maidlow Elizabeth Obrien Ronald Rodgers Mel Sleight U.S. Cellular Meredith Zinanni
Sharmili Majmudar Rory and Mary OBrien Victoria Rodriguez Neil Smalheiser Beth Dowell and David Alexander Zubenko
Kirsten and Atul Mallik J.J. O’Callaghan Abby Rogers Thomas Sanders and Ubogy Daniel Zurawski
Timothy Maly Kiel Ochalek Michael Rogus Michael Smith UHG Nancy Zwick
Gary Mancuso Nora O’Connell Scott Roman Linda and Richard Smith United Women Investors Howard and Caroline
Beth Mannino Laura O’Connell Dennis and Chris Rooney Kara Smith George and Sarah Valaika Zyburt
Lauren Mansfield Susanne O’Connell Katherine Rose Michaela Smith Annemarie and David AbbVie
Ainat Margalit Djuana O’Connor Oshin Diana Rosenbrock Kevin Smith Valenti Kelly Clissold
Brian Markert Kim Ogunkeye Adam and Anne Mae Joseph Smith Jay Van Cura NanJordan Gru
Ellen and Arnold Marks Alison and Chris Ohlhoff Rosenthal William Smith and Joe David Vargas Thomas Guenthner
Theresa Marousek Eric Older Sarah Rothschild DiUlio Patricia Vassallo David Gullo
Julia Marshall Caroline Older Lee Roushar and Jen Caryn Snodgrass Tammy Verticchio Karen Heil and kevin
Katie Martin and Jennifer Olsen Dillon Steven and Jocelyn Taylor Viering haag
Christopher Drew One Lake Brewing Andrea and Orlando Snower Barbara and Gail Vijuk John Haagenson
Nancy Maschke Barbara and Paul Routen Rachael Solone Derek Viramontes SaDaniel West
Mary and Kevin Masella Oppenheim Charles and Nancy Rowe Nancy Soro Joshua Voice Kenneth West
Diane Mastny Karen Osborne Richard Rubens David Spangler Anja Wachter James Whalen
Joan Mathien Guillermo and Suzanne Kim Ruffin Anne Sperling Mary Wacker Anne White
Vikram Mathrani Osorio Eric and Emily Runyan Kathleen Spillane Heidi Wagreich Gregory White
Trevor Mauch John Otto Bernadine Rupar Saundra Spilotro Jane Wahlfeldt Kevin Whyte
Kim Mauller Marcia Owens Richard Rykhus Ann Spittle Susan and Joseph Theresa Wiegand-Swihart
Nyemba Mbekeani Janis Owens Machonga and Lydia Michael Sprinker Wallace Julia Wilkens
Maureen McCarthy Terry Ozima Rypcinski St Elmo Commandery No Carolyn Walter Derrick Williams
Holly McCarthy Rocio Padilla Melanie Sabelka 64 Leah Walton Ann Williams
Patricia McCarty Ekaterina Pak Janet H Saeger Jane Stansell Thomas Ward Michelle Willman
Lawrence McDonald Rolando Palacios Rossan Salma Ashlie Stapleton Jessica Washburn Richard Willstatter
Amy McFarlane Richard Panero Kathryn Saluke Felicia Starks Erika Washington Barbara Wilson
Eileen McGinnity Carol Papke Kathy Samaan Mary Stecher Edward Watkins Emiy Windelborn
Eileen McKeough Asela Paredes Maria Samatas Jamie Steele Mark Waun Gregory and Dina
Christina McKittrick John Parker Eric and Betsy Samore Samantha Stein Susan Weber Wingfield
Donna McKune Elizabeth Parson Cassaundra Sampson Joshua Stein Bobbie Webster Nicolas Winter
Sharon McLaughlin Debbie Pastors Stephanie Samuel Pamela Steinbach Zarine Weil James Wisuri
Daniel M McMahon Aviva Patt Jake Samuels Dean Steinmetz Dustin Weinberger Steven Witt
John McNally Miles and Jill Pecken Shelley Sandow Adam Stephan Lisa Weisglass Kristine Witt
Stephanie and Stephanie James and Laura Pekarek Talia Santos William Stewart Douglas and Yu Kenneth Woerthwein
Mead Mary Pesceone Kari Sarni Mike Stewart Weismantle Brian Wojciechowski
Andrew Mejia Deanna Peters Anna Sattler Kathleen Stoch Melanie and Ben Weiss Daniel Wolman
Susan Merritt Emily Peterson Catherine Scare Larry Stone Alison and Sophie Welch Bradley Wolven
Sandra Meyer Lillian Peterson Susan Schaub Karen Stoner Mary Welch Barry Wood
Melissa Mickelberry Nadine Peterson Johannes Schiet Pamela Strauss Wells Fargo Erin Woods
Elizabeth Micucci John Peterson Shari Schindler Natasha Streety Pauline and Michael Elizabeth Wren
David Miller Mary Madeleine Philbin Joanne Schivarelli Streibich Family Welsh Sarah Yaffe
Michael Mitchell Colleen Pierce Dennis Schlagheck Rebecca and William Rise Wendt Elias Yanaki
Cathy Mitchell King Victoria Pietrus Betty Schlatter Streit Steve Wernikoff Jenny Yang
James Mizgala Daniel Pietrus Benjamin Schlesinger William Strong Michael Werthmann Johnilee Yankow
Marianne Mohrhusen Emily Poholik Abby Schmelling Angela Stroud Deborah Wess George Yanos and Janet
Susan Montgomery Polk Bros. Foundation Amanda and Alec Edward Sullivan Elizabeth West Hagan Yanos
Jo Moore Trisha and Joel Pomerenk Schmidt Jordan Sund Daniel West Jean and W. Scott Yarde
John and Noreen Moore Steven and Linda Pont James Schmidt Sarang Supekar Kenneth West Donna Yates
Todd Moore Thomas Pooley Mary Schmidt Juniper Tagliabue James Whalen Laura Young
Lisa Moragne-Kayser Carrie Port David Schmidt Laura Talaske Anne White Maria Zajac
Andres Morales Michael Powers Kristin Schmidt Karolyn Talbert Gregory White Albert Zaniolo
Joanna Moran Stephanie Powers Jaime Schmitt Euclid and Janet Talbot Kevin Whyte David Zapata
Anna Morelli Alan Prechel Maura Schofield William Tansey Theresa Wiegand-Swihart Norman Zavalkoff
Monica Moreno Carrie Purins Laura Scholl Hart, David and Adria Julia Wilkens Anne Zavalkoff
Leigh Morgan Maureen Pyne Susan Schulman Tarleton Derrick Williams Todd Zayti
Donna Morris Seemab Qaderi Jay Schulman Dr. Steven Taylor Ann Williams Paula Zdziarski West
Joanne and Wayne Neil Quam Daryl Schumacher Byron Taylor Michelle Willman Aaron Zerhusen
Morris Quicksilver Studios Scott Schwar Caroline TeDesco Richard Willstatter Frances Zetland
Mortenson Construction Kristin Raack Susan and Sarah Chris Tennyson Barbara Wilson Christine Zielinski
Marsha Moseley Jane Raczy Schwarting The Beauty Lounge Salon Emiy Windelborn Meredith Zinanni
Edgar Mosshamer Audrey Ragacheo John Schwartz & Boutique Inc Gregory and Dina Alexander Zubenko
Jill Mosshamer Padmanabhan Raghu Lisa Schwartz The Blackbaud Giving Wingfield Daniel Zurawski
Lawrence Mossman Janette A Ramos Cynthia and Robert Fund Nicolas Winter Nancy Zwick
Julie and Marty Mudge Vanessa Randolph Schwartz The BP Foundation James Wisuri Howard and Caroline
Barbara Multer-Wellin Daniel Randolph Alice Schwartz The Cliff Dwellers Steven Witt Zyburt
Susan Mura Rare Bird Preserves Amanda Schwob The Right Spice Kristine Witt
Clare Murphy Kristen Ras Linda Scott The Sumac Foundation Kenneth Woerthwein
Marilyn Murphy Arjun Rawal Michael Scotty Jody Koch and Matthew Brian Wojciechowski

This list includes FIRST TIME DONORS from July 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. If we attributed your name incorrectly or omitted it, please accept our sincerest apologies and let us know by contacting [email protected].

BEYOND HUNGER IS Despensa: Meeting Community Need
THANKFUL TO THE
FOLLOWING FUNDERS During that first month of quarantine last
FOR GRANT SUPPORT spring, “Anna,” a school social worker from
Berwyn, began hearing from immigrant
Albertsons Companies Foundation Hispanic families in her school community
Amazon Smile Foundation who were struggling with hunger. Unable to
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois access government benefits, these families
Byline Bank were not visiting the food pantry because
Chicago Bulls Charities they were fearful of repercussions of
Chicago Community COVID-19 showing an ID.
Response Fund (United Way of
Metro Chicago, The Chicago To meet the need, Anna and a few neighbors Text Anna received from a
Community Trust, City of Chicago) started delivering care packages with rice, Despensa recipient
Conagra Brands Foundation beans, and other pantry staples—calling
CROP Walk - Hunger Walkathon them “despensas.”
West
Democratic Party of Oak Park “In Mexico, when someone you know is ill, or has just
Economy Shop had a baby, neighbors bring them despensas. It’s the
Exelon same thing as bringing over a casserole or cake to
Forest Agency Insurance wish a family well. It’s like a gift. And then Despensa
George M. Eisenberg Foundation for also means Pantry, so there is no stigma. This is just
Charities how people care for each other.”
Gibbons, Fortman & Associates -”Anna,” Berwyn Social Worker
Greater Chicago Food Depository
Healthy Communities Foundation To sustain the Despensa program over time, this group of community
Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund members partnered with Beyond Hunger to launch an off-site pop-up
(Oak Park River Forest Community pantry. The pop-up Despensa now regularly serves about 600
Foundation) individuals each month.
Just Give
Mark M. Welter Foundation “No ID is ever required and the location is never
Moller Family Foundation publicly announced. We can’t jeopardize food access
My Emma Email Marketing for these families.”
Oak Park River Forest Community -Michele Zurakowski, Beyond Hunger Executive Director
Foundation
Oak Park-River Forest Community Learn more about this story and others at GoBeyondHunger.org/news
Foundation’s Rapid Response and
Recovery Fund Consider joining our
Pledgeling Foundation Volunteer Team!
Reedy Family Fund
Riveredge Hospital, Inc. We offer shifts for every ability,
Rotary Club of Oak Park-River Forest including data entry, repacking,
RRF Foundation for Aging serving Pantry guests, and
Rush University Medical Center unloading delivery trucks.
Russell & Josephine Kott Memorial GoBeyondHunger.org/volunteer
Charitable Trust
The Catholic Bishop of Chicago –
Rice Bowl
The Chicago Community Trust
The Community Foundation,
Strengthening Inland Southern
California through Philanthropy
The Sumac Foundation
Thrivent Financial
Tyson Foods Nonprofit Summer Jobs
Program
U.S. Department of HUD, CDBG grant
from Village of Oak Park
United Way Metro Chicago
Ward Foundation
West Side United/Rush University
Medical Center: Emergency Micro
Grant (COVID)
Women Leaders in Philanthropy
Fund, a giving group of OPRF
Community Foundation

Nonprofit Organization
US Postage Paid
Permit #98
Oak Park IL

Harnessing the power of
communities to end hunger.

Become a Hunger Hero!

Providing year round support to Beyond Hunger gives
your neighbors a foundation to rely on. Become a hunger
hero by joining our Hunger Free 365 monthly giving
community!
Learn more at GoBeyondHunger.org/Give/HungerFree365

Coming soon...starring YOU!!

Stay tuned for details and get ready to test your
cooking skills in this fun community wide event.