Chicago Southland’s April Food Day

Tinley Park, Ill. – United Way of Metro Chicago – South-Southwest Suburban Region’s (UWMC – SSW) seventh annual April Food Day kicks off March 1^st and runs through April 18^th, 2019. The annual food collection event addresses food insecurity in the south-southwest suburbs. Last year, United Way collected more than 128,000 pounds of food to address summer food insecurity and to restock food pantries. Through donations of non-perishable food items, household goods and financial support, individuals and companies can help those in the south-southwest suburbs meet some of their most basic needs.

The following area pantries will be the recipients of the 2019 April Food Day: Ford Heights Community Service Organization; Hope Center, Blue Island; Blue Cap, Blue Island; Restoration Ministries, Harvey; Rich Township, Richton Park; St. Irenaeus, Park Forest; Thornton Township, Harvey; Together We Cope, Tinley Park; Respond Now, Chicago Heights and Orland Township Food Pantry, Orland Park.

In Illinois, 64% of people that want help with food do not qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This is where food pantries come in and help. The summer months are a critical time to combat childhood hunger and reach kids when they no longer have access to meals at school. The need is constant and should not be ignored just because of season.

UWMC–SSW’s annual April Food Day is once again led by the Chicago Southland hospitality industry. The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau and area hotels, schools, park districts and municipalities throughout the Chicago Southland region will be collecting food from March 1, 2019 – April 18, 2019. “Let’s keep up the great momentum that has brought us to this annual charity event,” said Jim Garrett, President / CEO for the Visit Chicago Southland. “We truly care about the community and the Chicago Southland hospitality industry has much to be proud of in the efforts to combat hunger around the region.”

Here is a preferred list of what is needed to help make an impact in the lives of others.
(Unopened, non-expired cans and boxes; no glass please)

Peanut Butter and Jelly

Infant Supplies (baby food, formula, diapers)

Laundry Detergent

Toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner,
deodorant, toothpaste, feminine products)

100% Fruit and Vegetable Juice

Bagged Rice and Beans (canned and dry)

Canned Fruits and Vegetables (pull tops if possible)

Cereal, Oatmeal, Granola Bars

Chips, Cookies and/or Crackers

Canned Meats and Stews

On April 18, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. all collected donations are to be dropped off at the Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Dr., Tinley Park, Ill. 60477. There will also be an awards luncheon taking place to honor those that have been instrumental in this endeavor. For the latest up-to-date information on the event and drop off locations, please visit https://uw-mc.org/event/april-food-day-2019/

The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination management and marketing organization for Chicago’s 63 south and southwest suburbs. The Visit Chicago Southland markets the Chicago Southland region as a destination for meetings, conventions, group tour, sports events and leisure. For more information, go to VisitChicagoSouthland.com

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Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau

Loren Petrakis-Mueller - Communications Manager

2304 173^rd Street   Lansing, IL 60438

Phone: 708-895-8200 Fax: 708-895-8288 Toll-free: 888-895-8233

[email protected]     VisitChicagoSouthland.com

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