CHICAGO – State Senator Sara Feigenholtz celebrated the grand opening of Common Pantry’s Lincoln Avenue facility on Thursday, a new location for the city’s longest-running food pantry.
“Providing food and resources for our community members who need help is essential,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “I am excited to help build on the deep roots this organization has planted in our community.”
In collaboration with State Representative Ann Williams, Feigenholtz secured $1.5 million in state funding for the purchase and renovation of Common Pantry’s new home. As the city’s oldest continuously run food pantry, an updated, dedicated space was critical to meet the growing need for emergency food and social services in the community.
Common Pantry has been distributing food in Feigenholtz’s district for over 50 years, and their demand for services has grown since the pandemic. Prior to state funding secured by Feigenholtz, Common Pantry had been operating out of a church basement. The nonprofit pantry now has a building of its own that is ADA-accessible with large indoor and outdoor communal areas, a commercial kitchen built to support their hot lunch program, volunteer rooms and a grocery shopping area.
“From their very beginnings, Common Pantry has had an organic, community-centered approach to their mission, and nothing — not even the hardships of the pandemic — would stop them from providing services to those in need,” said Feigenholtz. “I am honored to have played a small part in helping their vision for a new home become a reality.”
To learn more about the organization and the services they provide, visit CommonPantry.org.
