FOOD PANTRY

Running from April 6 through April 20, the food drive encouraged donations of non-perishable food and household items, with a goal of collecting 19,560 items, a meaningful nod to the Village’s founding in 1956. Donations were accepted at Village Hall, where community members, staff, and local leaders came together in support of families in need. What began as a commemorative initiative quickly grew into an extraordinary display of community generosity. By the conclusion of the drive, a total of 20,280 items had been collected, exceeding the original goal and marking the largest single-day donation drop-off in Elk Grove Township history. This remarkable contribution will have a direct and meaningful impact on the Township’s Food Pantry, which serves approximately 1,100 families each month. Donations of this scale help ensure shelves remain stocked with essential items and allow the Township to continue providing reliable support to residents facing food insecurity. The success of the initiative was driven by the leadership and dedication of Elk Grove Village Mayor, Trustees, and staff, many of whom actively participated by organizing collections and contributing donations themselves. Their efforts, combined with strong community participation, made this milestone possible. “We are incredibly grateful to Mayor Craig Johnson, Village Trustees and staff, and the entire Elk Grove community for their generosity and commitment to supporting local families,” said Supervisor John Scaletta. “This donation will have an immediate and lasting impact on our Food Pantry operations and the residents we serve each day.” “This is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when a community comes together with a shared purpose,” Scaletta added. “The Village’s leadership and the community’s response demonstrate a shared commitment to ensuring local families have access to essential resources.” For more information about the Elk Grove Township Food Pantry and ways to support local families, please visit elkgrovetownship.com/ways-to-donate/.

Throughout March and continuing through April 6, the Township is collecting these items to help keep pantry shelves stocked and ensure families have access to reliable, kid-friendly meals. This year, Grove Junior High School students, led by the Grove Interact Club, took the campaign to an entirely new level. What began as a challenge from the Rotary Club of Elk Grove Village to collect 200 boxes quickly turned into something extraordinary. Under the leadership of Interact instructor Angela Addante, students launched a creative and engaging campaign that inspired widespread participation from students, staff, teachers, and the broader community. Their efforts resulted in an incredible 1,918 boxes of mac and cheese collected, far exceeding expectations. The 6th grade class led the way with 1,091 boxes, earning a celebratory assembly where students had the opportunity to pie their teachers in the face, creating a fun and memorable reward for their hard work. The overwhelming success of the campaign would not have been possible without the dedication and leadership of the Grove Interact Club, whose initiative, creativity, and commitment to service were the driving force behind this achievement. The impact of the students’ generosity was further amplified by the Elk Grove Rotary Club, which matched the donations, bringing the total to an impressive 3,836 boxes. All items were donated to the Elk Grove Township Food Pantry, which serves approximately 1,100 families each month. “This effort is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when young people come together for a common cause,” said Supervisor Scaletta. “We are incredibly proud of these students and grateful for community partners like the Elk Grove Rotary Club who help turn generosity into an even greater impact.” Residents who would still like to contribute to the Mac Madness campaign can do so through April 6. Donations are accepted at the Township building, located at 600 Landmeier Road in Elk Grove Village, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with extended hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 7:00 p.m. For more information, please visit or visit elkgrovetownship.com/ways-to-donate/.