Author name: Elk Grove Township Staff

Current Food Pantry hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. until noon, and again from 1 – 3 p.m. With this change, Tuesday afternoon hours will begin at 1 p.m. and run until 7 p.m. The Township wants to make sure those in-need are not prevented from getting food due to work, or other obligations during the day. “The Food Pantry is utilized by many different individuals experiencing a range of challenges; we must make sure its hours of operation are not preventing our residents who have a need from accessing it,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse. “This is an extremely important service provided through the Township and we are looking to determine if more people can be served through these extended hours.” At present, the Food Pantry is serving nearly the same number of families per month, compared to those served during the height of the pandemic. “The fact that need has not diminished, despite our world opening up again, indicates a test like this is important to explore,” Busse said. The extended hours do not change the process that individuals must follow to access the Food Pantry. For new users, an application is required, in addition to scheduled appointments for all users. To qualify, individuals must meet with a caseworker to verify residency and determine if there are other ways the Township may be able to provide assistance. For more information and any questions about the Food Pantry, please call 224-265-6111. The Food Pantry is a ‘client’s choice’ model, which allows individuals to ‘shop’ the pantry and pick out for themselves their most needed items. Donations for the Food Pantry are also accepted. Please bring them to the west entrance of the Township building, 600 Landmeier Road in Elk Grove Village, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information on donations, please contact Kailee at 224-265-6102.

“The Township is focused on strengthening the community by empowering people experiencing challenges, but we also provide services, beyond financial assistance, that are available to all residents,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. “There are many programs and services that individuals may not be aware of, so please read about our services below and call the Township or check our website for additional details.” See below for additional information: Township Assessor: The Township Assessor’s office can assist residents with tax exemptions, freezes, applications, and more. Assistance with exemptions for veterans, the disabled, and seniors is also available. Applications, Licenses and Registration: The Elk Grove Township Clerk’s Office can assist residents with passport applications, hunting and fishing licenses, voter registration and assistance, notary public services, applications for absentee ballots and temporary handicapped parking placards. Employment Support Services: The Township’s Employment Support Center has resources and services for job-seeking residents that include resume review, job search help and tips – as well as unconventional ways to find jobs, resource materials, and free seminars. Computer and printer stations are also available for job seekers to submit applications. Adult and Family Counseling: Licensed Township counselors continue to offer bilingual, staple services such as individual counseling, family counseling, testing, teletherapy, the ‘Senior Community Check-in’ and more. Youth Services: The Elk Grove Township Youth Services Department offers programs that help support your child’s mental health. Registration is fast and easy, but space is limited. To sign up or for more information about programs offered, please contact Renee Dorn at RDorn@ElkGroveTownship.com. Below are descriptions of the services that many individuals already know of, and that continue to be offered by Elk Grove Township: Transportation Assistance for Seniors and Disabled: The Transportation Department offers bus services, T.R.I.P. buses (for medical services outside of the Township borders) and a Taxi Program to Township residents. These programs provide a curb-to-curb transportation solution for seniors 55+ and disabled residents 18+ within Township borders. Medical Lending Closet: Elk Grove Township offers residents gently used medical equipment for up to three months with the option to extend upon request. Equipment includes walkers, wheelchairs, canes, bath seats, bedside rails and more. Call 224-265-6111 to schedule curbside pickup, to check availability of items, or to learn more about the terms of this great program. Financial Assistance for In-Need Individuals and Families: Through the Social Services Department, Township residents can qualify for assistance with utilities through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), ComEd Hardship, Nicor Sharing, the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) and others. The Community Empowerment Fund is a 501(c)3 corporation that exists to assist residents experiencing financial challenges not provided for through other programs. Food Pantry: Elk Grove Township’s food pantry is a ‘client’s choice’ model that allows shoppers to choose items they need the most. When initially utilizing the food pantry, individuals must meet with a caseworker to verify residency and to identify circumstances that caused them to need assistance. Please bring donations to the west entrance of the Township building (600 Landmeier Road, Elk Grove Village) Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.   For additional information on donations or the food pantry, please contact Kailee at 224-265-6102. For more information on any of the services offered through the Township, please call 847-437-0300 or visit elkgrovetownship.com.

During 2020, the food pantry served an average of 326 families per month compared to an average of 230 families per month in 2019. This represents a more than 40% increase in the average number of families in-need who were served. “I am proud of the evolution of the Township food pantry due to the changing needs of our residents,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. “We are working hard to meet the growing needs of community members through these challenging times.” All food pantry users are required to make an appointment due to safety guidelines related to the pandemic. This helps to avoid residents waiting in lines, and limits to the number of people in the food pantry at any given time. Additionally, shoppers are required to wear face covers and apply hand sanitizer (provided by the Township) before entering the food pantry. Those who wish to take advantage of the food pantry are issued cards, which expire every six months and are utilized for ‘check in’ upon arrival. If a resident needs a food pantry card or their current card has expired, they can contact Township staff when calling to schedule an appointment. If residents are applying for the first time to utilize the food pantry, they are required to bring a photo ID, current utility bill and proof of all members in their household. In order to keep the food pantry stocked, Elk Grove Township has again partnered with Meijer’s hunger relief efforts through the Simply Give program. A fourth campaign recently launched to help feed hungry families. The campaign will run through Saturday, April 10, 2021. During this time, shoppers will have the opportunity to purchase donation gift cards at the checkout register which will directly benefit the Elk Grove Township Food Pantry. The Elk Grove Township Food Pantry is fortunate to have another great partner in the Greater Chicago Food Depository that has been a stable and continuous provider of food products. The Depository has been able to provide a wide variety of food including fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, cheese and other dairy products, in addition to non-perishable items. Their reliability and consistency of quantities and selection of products have been appreciated by food pantry clients. To keep up with the increased demand, Elk Grove Township has also extended their food pantry hours. Clients can now schedule appointments Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. until noon, and from 1 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. For more information about the food pantry please call 224-265-6111. For those interested in making donations, they are accepted (at the west entrance by the Tonne Road stoplight) during normal business hours Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Elk Grove Township, 600 Landmeier Road in Elk Grove Village. Visit elkgrovetownship.com for more information.

Seniors 55 and older, and disabled residents who are 18 or older (defined as developmentally disabled, ADA certified or those who have extreme mental illness) can take advantage of transportation services.  “Maintaining autonomy and independence for our seniors and disabled residents is an important offering to help them to feel empowered,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. “Our residents who need this assistance can take advantage of safe and secure services that help them to get to important medical appointments and to access other essential services.” DIAL-A-Bus: Elk Grove Township’s DIAL-A-Bus Program offers regular bus services with lifts for wheelchair passengers and for individuals who have difficulty navigating steps. There is no charge for these bus trips, which can be for medical appointments or for transportation to the grocery store, pharmacy, or to other locations within Elk Grove Township boundaries. Dialysis and doctor appointments do take precedence when scheduling, and space is limited, so reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Donations are voluntary and receptacles are located next to the driver on each bus to help defray the cost of bus services.  Taxi Services: Senior and disabled residents are issued a debit card once they have been approved and become registered with the Elk Grove Township Taxi Program. Riders must be able to walk without assistance to participate in this program.  Each use of the debit card is worth $5 and can be used for a one-way trip. Current registered riders who have not received their debit card should call the Township at 847-437-0300. Taxi services are provided through a partnership with 303 Taxi, which is based in Mount Prospect.  TRIP Program: The Township Rider Initiative Program (TRIP) is the Northwest Suburban Cook County Inter-Township transportation service, and provided in partnership with PACE for medical purposes only. Senior and disabled residents from Elk Grove, Hanover, Palatine, Schaumburg, and Wheeling townships can be transported to locations outside of their Township for a cost of $10. The cost is $20 if two or more townships borders are crossed for the appointment. Disabled riders who qualify are required to have someone assist them during trips since bus drivers are unable to leave the vehicle at any time.  To qualify for transportation services, riders must first fill out an application form. Online applications for bus, taxi services and TRIP can be found by scrolling to the bottom of the page and downloading the appropriate form at elkgrovetownship.com/senior/. For any questions regarding transportation services, please call 847-437-0300.

In addition to the program running now through early January, Meijer is offering customers two opportunities to have their contributions ‘double matched’ – the first on Tuesday, December 1 and the second on Saturday, December 12.  For every donation made to the program on these dates, Meijer will double it, giving the food pantry an additional $20 for every $10 donated.  “Through the first 10 months of 2020 compared to the same period of time in 2019, there has been a 47% increase in the number of families served each month by the food pantry,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. “This generous, extension of Simply Give allows the Township to help minimize stress within families who are experiencing financial challenges during the holidays.” Area residents can shop at Meijer and purchase a Simply Give donation card at the checkout counter or the customer service desk. Donations are converted into a Meijer food-only gift card, and then donated directly to the food pantry. This allows flexibility for the Township to choose grocery and other items best suited for the families served. The Township often uses cards to provide meat or other seldom donated items. Donations of any amount will be accepted and are greatly appreciated. Meijer’s Simply Give program began in 2008 and is a signature fundraising campaign for hunger relief efforts in communities where stores are located around the country. The partnership between Meijer and Elk Grove Township began in the spring of 2016.   Simply Give has generated more than $50 million in the U.S. since it was started, thanks to generous customers, team members and food pantry partners committed to making a difference in their communities. For more information, visit meijercommunity.com/simply-give or call Elk Grove Township Assistant to the Administrator Izabela Szymanska at 224-222-0945 or email at Iszymanska@elkgrovetownship.com.

“Last year our holiday programs assisted more than 300 households, totaling more than 600 individuals who were in need,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. “Please consider joining us to help make this holiday season a bit brighter for our neighbors experiencing  financial hardships.” See below for more information about each of these programs and how to get involved: Thanksgiving Baskets: Donors for this program can register to bring non-perishable foods in a laundry basket, cardboard box, or a container of their choosing, along with a $10 – $25 gift card from a local grocery store. These items will be distributed to qualifying Township families for the Thanksgiving holiday. Online donor registration must be completed by Friday, October 16, 2020, and Thanksgiving baskets should be dropped off at the Township office (west entrance) no later than Monday, November 16 by 3:30 p.m. Operation Christmas: Participants for Operation Christmas are asked to donate $50 gift cards from local retailers for low-income families and seniors to help them celebrate Christmas. The gift card will enable parents to get desired items for their children, as well as gifts from Santa under their tree.  Seniors can purchase items they may not normally be able to afford, such as household items or new clothing. Donor registrations for this program must be completed by Friday, October 16 and donations must be turned into the Township no later than Friday, December 4 by 3:30 p.m. White Christmas Drive: The number of food pantry users increases during the winter months and over the holidays. Federal food stamps (SNAP money) cannot be used to purchase cleaning or paper supplies, as well as personal hygiene products. The White Christmas Drive relies on community donations to provide dry goods to food pantry users. Donations for this drive will be accepted throughout the winter months and can be dropped off at the Township office. Elk Grove Township Center is located at 600 Landmeier Road in Elk Grove Village. For more information about these giving programs, please call the Township at 847-437-0300.

Elk Grove Township invites local community members to attend the game and see who the winner of the ‘Cereal Bowl Trophy’ will be. The game begins at 7:00 p.m. at Elk Grove High School, 500 W. Elk Grove Boulevard in Elk Grove. During the 2018 competition, the two schools donated a combined 1,460 boxes, and the Elk Grove Grenadiers were the winning school – putting them at a 2-1 advantage in the annual contest. This year, the Rolling Meadows Mustangs are looking to tie up the competition! “We continue to be very proud of students from both high schools who recognize the need in our community relating to our food pantry,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. “This competition represents a much larger mission that we accomplish every day at the Township; we are empowering people through community – and the Cereal Bowl competition is encouraging our young people to do just that.” Fans from each team are encouraged to bring boxes of cereal to the October 4th football game to support their team. Elk Grove Township representatives will be at the main gate to receive and tabulate donations dropped off at the game. Fans who cannot attend the game can drop off donations at the Elk Grove Township offices, 2400 S. Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights, until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 4th. When dropping of donations, donors should communicate which high school they are donating on behalf of. This friendly competition earns bragging rights for the winning side, along with an engraved traveling trophy that will remain at the winning school until next year’s competition. The donated cereal will be a part of the food distributed to the hundreds of Elk Grove Township residents that receive food pantry assistance each month at the Elk Grove Township Food Pantry. Cash donations will also be accepted but will not be tabulated as part of the competition. For more information, please call Elk Grove Township at 847-437-0300 or visit elkgrovetownship.com.

Usage at the food pantry from October 2019 through March 2020 has increased by 69%. The previous average families served per month was 250 which has now sharply risen to an average of 422 families over the last four months. The program is rolling out the double match days the weekend of Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12. When shoppers donate, Meijer will double the donation, giving the food pantry $20 for every $10 donated – on these two days only. Meijer has partnered with Elk Grove Township to ensure all donations that are generated remain in their local community. “Meijer has been helping our Township empower people through building a community of support to end hunger since the spring of 2016,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. “The Township utilizes funds raised through this program to purchase meat, seldom donated items, or other vital supplies that are running low or have completely run out.” Donations are converted into a Meijer food-only gift card, and then donated directly to the food pantry, which allows flexibility to choose the grocery items that are best suited for the families that are served. Donations of any amount will be accepted and are greatly appreciated by the Township.   Meijer’s Simply Give program began in 2008 and is a signature fundraising effort for hunger relief efforts around the country. The program has generated more than $50 million, thanks to the store’s generous customers, team members and food pantry partners who are committed to making a difference in their communities. For more information, visit meijercommunity.com/simply-give or contact Izabela Szymanska via email at Iszymanska@elkgrovetownship.com or by calling 224-222-0945.