Reviving Community: Beyond Hunger Transforms Old Grocery Store into a Vibrant Food Pantry at Oak Park

In an effort to meet the growing needs of families in the community, a substantial new food pantry is being established in the western suburbs of Oak Park, Illinois. This expansion comes as Beyond Hunger reports a significant increase in the number of families seeking assistance.

Previously operating in the confined quarters of a church basement for over 20 years, the pantry is now preparing to move into a spacious 6,000-square-foot facility. This new location, at the intersection of North and Lombard Avenues, was formerly a grocery store, offering a fitting backdrop for its mission.

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“We are creating a place where hope is as abundant as the food on the shelves,” said Jennie Hull, CEO of Beyond Hunger. “This new space is not just about providing meals; it’s about offering our neighbors a way forward.”

The expansion reflects the organization’s commitment to addressing food insecurity with dignity and support, ensuring that every visit is a step toward a better future for those in need.

The food pantry that has operated out of a church basement for two decades will soon be in the 6,000-square-foot space at the corner of North and Lombard avenues in Oak Park.

“We are building a space where hope is stocked on every shelf and is a part of every interaction and where neighbors can find not only food but a path forward,” Beyond Hunger CEO Jennie Hull said.

Beyond Hunger reports their demand for food assistance has grown 600% since 2005, serving 69,000 people each year.

Requests for food in the area have increased 39% in the last year, compared to the same time the year before, 211 Metro Chicago said.

“Changes to benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, rising costs and economic pressure means more people will be turning to places like Beyond Hunger,” Hull said.

Stacey Mitchell has been a volunteer.

“It makes it hard for people to meet their basic needs. And so, to have a place where people can come and get their needs met is really outstanding,” Mitchell said.

Currently the pantry is out of First United Church of Oak Park’s basement, where Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings volunteers move the food from the basement to clients.

But the origin of the pantry goes back decades: to the 70s, when it was called the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry.

“We used to rent a truck, and go over to the food depository, and load up the truck and bring it back. And the two of us would unload it and have the food available for the families,” said Pat Koko, former director of Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry.

Koko is among those they call a “mother” of the pantry.

“I can’t believe how exciting it is to see what they’ve developed into this organization that serves so many people,” Koko said. “I wish we didn’t need it, but we do because we are needed.”

The new space will require some rebuild.

They expect to open in 2027.