New Lenox Food Pantry “Inundated” as Demand Spikes

New Lenox Township Meeting | Nov. 13, 2025

Article Summary: New Lenox Township Trustee Barbara Kaupas reported a significant increase in residents seeking assistance from the food pantry in October. Despite the surge in demand, community donations remain strong heading into the holiday season.

Food Pantry Key Points:

• High Demand: The pantry served 504 families and 1,355 individuals in October.

• Federal Impact: Trustee Kaupas attributed the surge to recent actions taken by the federal government.

• Donation Season: Large donations have arrived from local churches, scouts, and schools.

The New Lenox Township Food Pantry is facing a surge in visitors, trustees learned during the board meeting on Thursday, November 13, 2025.

Trustee Barbara Kaupas, who oversees Programs & Services, reported that the pantry was “inundated” in October. The facility served 504 families, averaging 126 per week. This totaled 1,355 individuals, including 314 children between the ages of 0 and 15.

Kaupas stated that the increase in demand is due to “recent actions taken by the Federal government.” Additionally, the pantry has seen a decrease in the amount of food available from grocery stores.

However, Kaupas noted that the township is in “Donation Season.” A recent Scout drive brought in a significant amount of food. Other community contributions included 1,000 pounds of potatoes from the United Methodist Church potato drop, nearly 1,000 pounds of canned items from the Lincoln-Way Central Halloween dance, and peanut butter and jelly donations from Peace Lutheran Church.

The pantry is preparing for Thanksgiving, with turkeys scheduled to be handed out to pre-registered families on November 25.