About
Our Mission: To provide a reliable source of healthy food assistance for those in need, living in the communities served by the Westchester Food Pantry.
Thank you for your interest in Westchester Food Pantry and its efforts to support our neighbors in need. For decades the Westchester Food Pantry has been dedicated to providing nourishing food to individuals and families across Westchester and the surrounding suburbs who are experiencing food insecurity. In April 2018, we were honored and recognized by the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners for our commitment to meeting the needs of hungry families in Cook County. Through the years, we have grown and adapted our programs and services to meet the changing needs of our community. We take pride in our efforts to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors is treated with respect and dignity, and receives the support they need to meet their basic needs. As a community-based organization, we rely on the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and community partners to sustain our efforts. We are always looking for ways to improve our services and expand our reach to better serve those in need. If you’re interested in supporting our mission, we would love to hear from you!
Areas served:
- Bellwood (60104)
- Berkeley (60163)
- Broadview (60155)
- Hillside (60162)
- Hines (60141)
- La Grange Park (60526)
- Westchester (60154)
- Western Springs (60558)
Our Core Values
Compassion.
We approach our work with empathy and understand the diverse communities we serve. We will treat every client with dignity and respect.
Fostering Health.
For the communities we serve, providing access to healthy and good nutritional food choices is essential for good health. Hunger and food insecurity is not acceptable in the world we live in.
Innovation.
We are flexible and responsive to the changing needs of the community. We lead by finding creative ways to prevent and reduce hunger and food insecurity.
Collaboration.
We know we cannot end hunger alone. We will continue to maintain, and create new, partnerships with others to assist in preventing and reducing hunger and food insecurity.
Accountability.
We deliver outstanding services effectively and efficiently. We will step up and put in extra effort, when needed, in order to get the job done.
Volunteerism.
Volunteering rewards those who volunteer, as well as those that we serve. Volunteering is being part of a team, creating friendships, and most of all, building a stronger community. Together, we do make a difference.
Sustainability.
In order for us to continue to operate, we need to ensure there are adequate funds available. We will continue to seek financial support the traditional ways, and find innovative ways to raise additional funds. We want the Pantry to be around a long time.
Leadership
As a community-based organization, we rely on the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and community partners to sustain our efforts. We are always looking for ways to improve our services and expand our reach to better serve those in need. If you’re interested in supporting our mission, we would love to hear from you.
Senior Leadership Team
Jim Gabel
Board Member, President, Treasurer, Building Manager, Co-Lead Yard Sale
Amanda Grant
Executive Director
Carol Kratky Harvey
Pantry Manager
Other Leaders
Bethanny Alexander
Board Member, Secretary, Fundraising Committee Chair
Leigh Hall
Board Member, Souper Bowl Chair
Regina LeFlore
Board Member, Community Outreach Chair
Claudia Gabel
Operations Manager, Co-Lead Yard Sale
Mark Dedowicz
Wet Nose Pantry Manager
Alice Seroka
Assistant to the Pantry Manager
Laurie Baran
Board Member
Sonja Martinez
Board Member
Laura Cohen
Board Member
