Urgent Need at St. Blase Food Pantry: Families Face Tough Choices

UPDATE: The St. Blase Food Pantry in Summit, Illinois is urgently addressing the overwhelming needs of local families facing a dire choice: pay rent or buy food. As costs soar and economic pressures mount, residents like Aubrey Lewandowski share their struggles in a heartbreaking reality.

Every day, the pantry serves 80 to 90 people, offering essential groceries and meals to families in need. “Everything’s just getting more and more expensive,” says Lewandowski, a mother of four who recently turned to the pantry after losing her job. “I’m just trying to make everything stretch as far as possible.”

The St. Blase Food Pantry, located in the basement of St. Blase Church, has been a community lifeline for over 20 years. Operated by Catholic Charities and the Albertine Sisters, the pantry receives support from the Greater Chicago Food Depository. It stands as a beacon of hope for those grappling with rising living costs.

Lewandowski highlights a pervasive struggle among local families: “Every week, I’m looking at which bill needs to be paid first. Do I pay my utility bills? Do I pay my rent? Do I get food?” The pantry provides a reliable source of sustenance, ensuring families will not go hungry.

“We serve hot meals on Wednesdays and provide staples like pasta, sauce, vegetables, and fresh fruit,” explains Sister Patricia Brynirska, a dedicated pantry worker. “But sometimes, we can’t meet all the needs due to rising prices.”

The ongoing Feed the Love campaign, supported by ABC7, aims to rally the community for donations to help local food banks. ABC7’s Val Warner is actively visiting three food banks, including St. Blase, to raise awareness and support for those in desperate need.

As economic conditions worsen, the spotlight on food insecurity intensifies. Families like Lewandowski’s are caught in a cycle of financial instability, forced to make impossible choices. “This gives me something that I can rely on,” she says, emphasizing the pantry’s importance in her life.

With the high cost of living affecting countless families, the St. Blase Food Pantry is more essential than ever. Community members are encouraged to donate or volunteer, ensuring that this vital resource continues to serve those facing hardship.

The urgency for support is clear. As the pantry opens its doors Monday, Thursday, and Friday, the community’s generosity can make a significant difference. Share this story to spread awareness and join the fight against food insecurity in our neighborhoods.