New Trier Township Asks Residents to Donate Fresh Produce to Food Pantry

The New Trier Township Food Pantry is in need of fresh produce, and the Township has asked residents interested in supporting neighbors in need to assist by dropping off fresh fruits and vegetables at the beginning of each week. The Township has begun promoting “Fresh Produce Mondays” in order to encourage residents to remember the Food Pantry when they do their own grocery shopping on Mondays.

Community Service Administrator Brian Leverenz explains, “The Food Pantry has some regular supporters who donate and keep us supplied with produce, however lately we have not been able to keep up with demand for fresh fruit and vegetables. We ask residents to make donations of these perishable goods at the beginning of the week so our clients have a selection of fresh items during the week. We aim to have the produce supply depleted by Friday so nothing spoils over the weekend. We do everything we can to avoid waste.”

The supply of fruit and vegetables is more predictable during the summer growing months when many residents who have gardens share their home grown produce with the Pantry. For now, the Pantry is hoping to rely on the generosity of residents to meet the community need.

Residents who wish to support this effort may drop fresh fruit and vegetables at the Township Office at 739 Elm Street in Winnetka between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays. No appointment is necessary.

In addition, there will be a food drive in support of the Township Food Pantry hosted by Wilmette Harbor Rotary Club taking place on Saturday, May 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with the collection taking place at the Jewel-Osco at 411 Green Bay Road in Wilmette. That drive has asked residents to donate “No Canned Goods” in order to collect packaged goods, toiletries and cleaning detergents needed by the Pantry. That list includes cookies, crackers, granola bars, nuts, raisins, pasta sauce, cooking oil, peanut butter, jelly, salad dressing, salsa and other condiments, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes and paper goods.

A list of Pantry Priority Needs is available on the Township website at www.newtriertownship.com. The Township is grateful for the responsiveness of our residents.