Back Yard Botany
Benton House Food Pantry feeds 700 families in Bridgeport
In partnership with The Greater Chicago Food Depository, Benton House has given food to over 700 families and the need continues to grow. Started in December 2009, the demand is now 5 times more! On average, 1000 pounds of food are distributed every week. We are able to keep our doors open and improve our services through the generous support of the First Congressional United Church of Downers Grove, Peter Zagorski on behalf of St. Mary of Perpetual Help Church, St. Jerome Church, and Enlace Chicago. Along with sponsors and organizational partners, Benton House Food Pantry really thrives through its hardworking volunteer staff.Johnny the Hotdog Man
Johnny, his wife, Rosemary, and son, Tony not only run a family-owned hot dog stand in Bosley Park, but also tirelessly volunteer at Benton House.
Their effort has quickly made them a huge part of the Benton House family. For months they have been volunteering at the Food Pantry.Every week, alongside other volunteers, they stock, clean, set-up, and help distribute hundreds of pounds of food. They even participated in this year's Hunger Walk in June where Benton House joined forces with 650 food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in the 25th Annual Greater Chicago Food Depository Hunger Walk at Soldier Field. The 3.0 mile Hunger Walk raised the much needed support to distribute emergency food for Benton House and communities all over Chicago land.
"In 2009, the Food Depository distributed 58 million pounds of nonperishable food and fresh produce, dairy products and meat, the equivalent of 119,000 meals every day."
"In 2009, the Food Depository distributed 58 million pounds of nonperishable food and fresh produce, dairy products and meat, the equivalent of 119,000 meals every day."
Quality Nourishment, Community Impact, and Immigrant Families
The supplemental stock makes it a great experience for its clients, and also Benton volunteers. It is unique because volunteers are proud to give away more than just canned goods but also bread, eggs, milk, fresh produce, meat, and baby products.
Community members are very pleased to have healthier and assorted food options.
Nydia Rivera said, "I had the opportunity to pick my own food which is great! It eliminates any wastes due to allergies or specific wants."
In addition to quality nourishment, Benton House has been building new ways to supplement our pantry depending on the needs of our community. As Bridgeport stands as one of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods, our clients have certainly reflected the diverse cultural make-up of the Bridgeport community. We have recruited wonderful bi-lingual volunteers and resources together to provide Chinese and Spanish translations in order to also serve our recent immigrant community. Beyond, food distribution, we also have public benefit information available every week, compile a job listings, and voter registration.
Benton House believes the Hunger Cause is an important issue that affects us locally in Bridgeport. There has been a 36% rise in emergency food help in Cook County alone. With unemployment on the rise, people especially appreciate help from the Food Pantry to alleviate some monthly expenses.
"Thank you for being here for the community every week. I don't know what I would do if I did not have the extra help from Benton House Food Pantry" revealed a local Food Pantry client.