Westminster Presbyterian Church in DeKalb to host mobile food pantries during COVID-19 crisis

DEKALB – To help provide relief from food insecurity, Westminster Presbyterian Church has created mobile food pantries in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Acting in partnership with the DeKalb County Community Foundation and the Northern Illinois Food Bank, WPC will hold a series of mobile food pantries over the next four weeks.

Upcoming mobile food pantries times include 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30 and 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, May 8.

The mobile food pantry will be held in the church’s south parking lot, 830 N. Annie Glidden Road in DeKalb. All food is pre-boxed, drive through or walk-up only. Ending times are tentative, the food pantries end when groceries are gone.

All are welcome to attend the free mobile food pantries. Identification or proof of income is not required.

“This was designed to help counter the effects of the COVID-19 virus on the grocery distribution chain,” said Chris Fussner, Director of the WPC Community Dinners in a news release. “The supply lines are strained, certain grocery shelves are still empty and nutrition has become a challenge for many.”

Fussner also noted that personal protective equipment was another issue. Last week’s community dinner was postponed because equipment orders were canceled or otherwise unfulfilled.

“I can deal with a strained budget, but the safety of our volunteers is paramount,” he said. “They’re fearless and dedicated. It was painful to ask them to stand down.”

Community members can support WPC's ongoing hunger relief activities by donating to Westminster Presbyterian Church online at www.WestminsterDeKalb.org or by sending a check to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 830 N. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb, Illinois 60115. Specify "Hunger Relief" on the memo line. All donations are tax deductible.