JOLIET, Ill. – In an effort to support the local community, Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital’s Joliet Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) will host a mobile food pantry on March 30, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The event is open to all community members in need, with no proof of military service, residency or income required.
The mobile food pantry will be held in the Joliet CBOC parking lot, where participants can receive basic food staples, including dry goods, meat, dairy and fresh produce. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food assistance information will also be available.
“Our clinic is part of this community, and we want to help our neighbors in their times of need,” said Elizabeth Thrun, licensed clinical social worker for Hines VA and event coordinator. “Too many Will County residents don’t know where their next meal will come from. If you need help, please consider joining us on March 30.”
As long as supplies last, the distribution of food will follow the principle of first-come, first-served. The volunteers will load pre-packed items into each vehicle according to the driver’s instructions. Additionally, donations will be made available to those who don’t have access to a vehicle.
The Joliet CBOC is collaborating with the Northern Illinois Food Bank to supply food staples for the event. With monthly food staples provided to approximately 48,000 Will County residents and over 450,000 people in Northern Illinois, the food bank is a reliable source for provisions. During its November 2022 mobile food pantry, the Joliet CBOC provided food for over 440 individuals, and during events in June and July 2022, more than 640 individuals were served. The Hines VA’s Joliet CBOC, situated at 1201 Eagle Street, Joliet, Illinois, 60432, has planned additional food pantries later this year.
