County Food Access Program Reports Progress on ARPA-Funded Initiatives

Four community organizations are expanding food assistance services across Will County through nearly $80,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds administered by the county’s food access collaborative.

Caitlyn Daly, program manager of the Will County MAP Collaborative, provided a progress report to the county health committee Wednesday on efforts to address food insecurity through partnerships with local organizations in underserved areas.

“We figured the best way to make community impact was to invest that money in our local community partners that have that rapport in the community,” Daly said. “They already have the pantry, so let’s invest in them so they can expand their services and meet the demand.”

The initiative, which initially requested approximately $5 million in funding, received $7,998 in ARPA allocations. The money has been distributed to four organizations identified as serving areas with significant food access challenges: National Hookup of Black Women, Salvation Army, Holston Human Capital Development/Riverwalk Homes in Joliet, and New Hope Christian Community Church in Monee.

Daly reported that Salvation Army’s food pantry is now experiencing demand levels reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic, serving between 150-175 families per month compared to their typical 100-125 families. Rising food costs have further strained resources, with Daly noting that the organization now pays nearly $10 for a carton of eggs.

The funded projects include a variety of approaches to food access. National Hookup of Black Women is acquiring a new delivery van to replace one damaged in an accident. Holston Human Capital Development is completing a community kitchen for nutrition classes and potential entrepreneurial activities, pending environmental health permits.

New Hope Christian Community Church in Monee received the largest portion of the funding due to limited food pantry services in that area. Their improvements include parking lot expansion, installation of a walking track for seniors, a new commercial kitchen for Meals on Wheels preparation and cooking classes, and expanded storage facilities.

Committee member Butler noted the success of New Hope’s community kitchen, which has become a social hub for seniors in the area.

“What they’re really finding out is that it’s becoming a hub for seniors. People are lonely, they want to eat in a community setting, and it’s become quite popular,” Butler said.

The committee also discussed opportunities to expand community gardens and nutrition education programs, particularly for young people. Daly mentioned a partnership with Professor Howard Rosing from DePaul University, who has been researching successful community garden models that might be adapted in Will County.

“I see childhood nutrition as part of a pipeline,” Daly said. “I’m hoping the community agrees that child and maternal health should be a priority, and just that pipeline from low access to breastfeeding going into childhood obesity and then all of the chronic disease in adulthood.”

Approximately three-quarters of the ARPA funding has been spent, with the remainder expected to be used within the next six months. Daly invited committee members to a forum on April 25 at St. Joseph Hospital where the collaborative will present a three-year assessment report and establish priorities for the coming cycle.