Food Pantry Collects $25K From Deerfield Whole Foods

The Deerfield Whole Foods store raised more than $25,000 for the West Deerfield Township Food Pantry last month by asking customers at check-out if they'd like to "buy" a meal for a family in need. 

The store raised $25,788.63, which it presented to the food pantry Wednesday, according to a press release.

Food pantry board member Bob Rosenbacher thanked the store for their help in a statement to Patch: "The Food Pantry is once again grateful for the support of Whole Foods and their customers. The over 200 adults and children we serve will benefit from the generosity of the Deerfield community and on behalf of our recipients we thank all of you."

The following is Whole Foods' full press release:

Whole Foods Donates over $25,000 to West Deerfield Township Food Pantry

Through its “Feed 4 More” program, Whole Foods in Deerfield collected over $25,000 for the West Deerfield Township Food Pantry this past December. 

Whole Foods will present a check for $25,788.63 to the Food Pantry at its Deerfield Square store on January 29.

“This is a major and very welcome donation to the Food Pantry,” said Alyson Feiger, West Deerfield Township Supervisor.  “Whole Foods has been a generous and consistent partner with the Pantry in our effort to help those in need in our community. 

The “Feed 4 More” program was simple:  As customers checked out with their groceries during December, cashiers asked them if they would like to “purchase” breakfast, lunch or dinner for a family of four who are clients of the Food Pantry.  Money donated will go toward preparing boxed meals, which will be given to Food Pantry clients in the next month.

“West Deerfield Township is a tremendously generous community,” said Feiger, “Our residents appreciate the opportunity to help their neighbors.  We at the Township appreciate Whole Foods for providing this chance for our residents to make a difference.”

The Pantry serves over 250 township residents each month who find themselves in need, either on a long-term or temporary basis.  Many are seniors who live on fixed incomes, while others are families with children. 

Bags of food, as well as food gift certificates to help purchase fresh/frozen foods and personal items, as available, are ready for pick up on the first or third Thursday of each month.   Anyone with an urgent need, however, may call or visit the Township office any business day.

The Food Pantry relies entirely on contributions and volunteer help.  All food, other products and gift certificates are donated by neighbors and area businesses.  Items are usually gathered by school, church/temples, Scouts, clubs and other community groups and families. 

Sorting, shelving, and bagging are all done by volunteers.  The Food Pantry is a community-wide effort to support our friends and neighbors when their need is greatest.