Urgent Appeal: St. Blase Pantry Supports Families Amid Crisis

URGENT UPDATE: The St. Blase Food Pantry in Summit, Illinois is facing unprecedented demand as families grapple with soaring living costs. Local mother of four, Aubrey Lewandowski, shares her struggles, stating, “Do I pay rent or buy food?” This dilemma has become a harsh reality for many in the community.

Amid the ongoing economic crisis, ABC7 Chicago is intensifying its Feed the Love campaign, a vital initiative aimed at providing meals to those in need. The campaign is crucial now more than ever, as families like Lewandowski’s are forced to turn to food banks for survival. “Everything’s just getting more and more expensive,” she lamented.

Lewandowski, recently unemployed, has relied on the St. Blase pantry after losing her job. “I completely relied on this, or we wouldn’t have eaten,” she revealed. Today, despite finding work, she still visits the pantry regularly to secure basic necessities. “We get a lot of pasta, sauce, vegetables, bread, frozen and fresh fruit,” she explained, highlighting the pantry’s essential role in her family’s daily life.

The St. Blase Food Pantry, operational for over 20 years, serves between 80 to 90 people daily on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Every Wednesday, they also provide a hot meal. Run by Catholic Charities and the Albertine Sisters, the pantry sources food from the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Sister Patricia Brynirska, a pantry worker, emphasizes the increasing challenges they face. “Sometimes they cannot match their needs because of the high prices for everything,” she noted. Families are in urgent need, juggling bills while trying to feed their children. “Every week, I’m looking at which bill needs to be paid first,” Lewandowski added.

The situation is dire, and the community’s support is critical. “This gives me something that I can rely on,” Lewandowski stated confidently. “I know that we will not go hungry with organizations like this.”

As the demand for food assistance continues to rise, community members are encouraged to contribute to the Feed the Love campaign. Donations are crucial to ensure that families do not face the heart-wrenching choice of paying rent or buying food.

The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. With ongoing economic pressures, the St. Blase Food Pantry stands as a beacon of hope for many struggling families. Immediate action is needed to support this essential resource and those who rely on it.

What’s Next: Community members are urged to help. Donations can be made directly to the St. Blase Food Pantry or through the ABC7 Chicago website as the campaign continues to grow in response to the escalating needs of families in Summit and beyond.