Home pantries foster the image of food available to nourish hungry family members. It is hard to believe that, in this day and age, families in the affluent Fox Valley are experiencing hunger, but it is true.

Households with limited resources often must choose between paying their rent and feeding their families. Food assistance can prevent the tragedy of homelessness for people who find themselves in the position of having to make this choice.

Since 1981, concerned citizens in the Aurora area have attempted to provide canned goods and other groceries to persons in need of food assistance. That movement, known as the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry, has seen substantial increases in the requests from year to year.

Those who receive food include the unemployed, families and single parents caring for children, seniors on fixed incomes, persons with disabilities or chronic illness, victims of violence and emergency situations, employed individuals who need a supplement, or anyone who cannot afford to purchase enough food to adequately meet their nutritional needs.

The Pantry distributes food on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, from 11am to 2pm. Those needing food may visit the Pantry one time each week. For further information about distribution, please contact the Pantry office at (630)897-2127.

The food distributed by the Pantry is obtained through community food drives and donations from individuals, businesses and organizations, and purchased with monetary donations and grants that the Pantry receives. Anyone interested in conducting a food drive should contact the Pantry.

Food donations are accepted at the Pantry office at 659 S. River St., Aurora, from 7am to 3pm or by appointment.

Monetary donations can be made online through our website by clicking on the DONATE NOW link below or sent to the Pantry at P.O. Box 2602, Aurora,IL 60507.