Outreach program part of partnership with Senate President Cullerton

CHICAGO — In an effort to help feed Chicago-area families and bridge regional differences, downstate farmers will deliver a truckload of sweet corn Friday, July 27 to the North Side’s Common Pantry for distribution to other area food pantries.

The delivery is the result of an outreach program through the Illinois Farm Bureau that pairs Chicago lawmakers with downstate farmers. In this case, 6th District Senator and Illinois Senate President John Cullerton teamed up with the Pike County Farm Bureau, whose farmers made a similar delivery last year.

“To me, this is Illinois at its finest. We’ve got people who live hundreds of miles apart, coming together, helping each other and in doing so learning about all the different parts of our state and what’s great about them. I can’t thank the Pike County farmers enough for making the trek and helping out,” said Cullerton.

Common Pantry has provided emergency food and social services since 1967 when it was founded to combat hunger and food insecurity in North Side neighborhoods. The organization provides weekly food distribution, home delivery to elderly clients, monthly produce distribution, a weekly hot lunch program and other services.

“For the approximately 85 families visiting Common Pantry on a weekly basis, the relationships and donation streams through regional farmers like those from Pike County, as well as local community gardens, are extremely critical. Our mission is to provide healthy food and support to our neighbors in need. This donation is a perfect example of how those producing fresh food can help those who struggle to find ways to feed their families,” said Common Pantry’s Executive Director Margaret O’Conor.

The delivery is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Friday, July 27. Common Pantry is located at 3744 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Senate President Cullerton, Common Pantry leaders and farmers from Pike County will be available.

Event Information:
Who: Pike County farmers, Senate President John Cullerton and Common Pantry leaders.
What: Delivering and unloading truckload of sweet corn to North Side food pantry.
When: 9:30 a.m., Friday, July 27
Where: Common Pantry, 3744 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60618