New Lenox Food Pantry Reports Busiest Month Ever, Serving Over 1,100 Individuals in September

New Lenox Township Meeting | October 2025

Article Summary: The New Lenox Township food pantry experienced its busiest month on record in September, serving 430 families, which included 1,116 individuals. The surge in demand highlights a growing need in the community, with the pantry now supporting 392 fully registered families and relying on key partnerships to keep its shelves stocked.

Food Pantry Report Key Points:

• A record 430 families, totaling 1,116 individuals, received assistance in September.

• The pantry served an average of 107 families and 266 individuals per week.

• The Northern Illinois Food Bank has expanded its support, providing the pantry with weekly pickups from the Jewel store in Homer Glen.

• The United Methodist Church is contributing a “potato drop” of 1,000 pounds of potatoes on October 18.

NEW LENOX, IL – Demand at the New Lenox Township food pantry reached an all-time high in September, with staff providing assistance to over 1,100 residents, the Board of Trustees learned on Thursday, October 9, 2025.

In her report to the board, Trustee Barbara Kaupas described September as the “busiest month ever” for the pantry. The township served 430 families, comprising 1,116 individuals. This breaks down to a weekly average of 107 families and 266 individuals. The pantry currently has 392 families completely registered for its services.

To meet the growing demand, the pantry is leveraging partnerships with local and regional organizations. Kaupas noted that the Northern Illinois Food Bank has awarded the pantry weekly food pickups from the Jewel store in Homer Glen. Additionally, the United Methodist Church is organizing a “potato drop” on October 18, which will provide 1,000 pounds of potatoes for distribution.

Director of Facilities & Programs Jim Pitcairn assured the board that despite the record demand, the food pantry is sufficiently stocked and capable of feeding additional families as needed.