The COVID19 pandemic has sent unemployment figures in the U.S. to levels not seen since the Great Depression, leaving more and more families not sure where their next meal will come from.

Beyond Hunger (formerly the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry) reports that pantry usage is up 35 percent since the pandemic began, and home delivery requests have tripled.

Grace member Mary Jane Keitel volunteers with Beyond Hunger and has served on the organization’s board. Watch and listen as she describes how Beyond Hunger brings people together to meet the basic need for healthy, nourishing food.

How can you help?

• Pray for the food pantry, its clients, staff and volunteers.
• Volunteer. Check out Beyond Hunger’s volunteer page.
• Donate food. Details on where and when are here. Grace's Social Ministry Committee is also sponsoring a special canned food drive. You can drop off donations on weekdays between 11:30am and 1pm.
• Support Beyond Hunger with an online donation or send your check to Beyond Hunger, 848 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301