volunteer at PRC Westmont food pantry

PRC Announces ‘Groceries for Good’ to Meet Increased Community Needs

(November 3, 2022 WHEATON, Ill.) – People’s Resource Center is launching the “Groceries for Good” campaign to raise awareness of and meet community needs as the holiday season begins.

Over the last year, the cost to keep PRC’s pantry shelves full has nearly doubled as inflation and the demand for grocery assistance increase.

“We are all feeling the effects of rising prices at the grocery store, and some of our neighbors who already had tight budgets are even more stressed,” said Christina LePage, vice president of programs at PRC. “PRC is feeling it, too.”

Applesauce has increased as much as 129% while canned tuna has gone up as much as 50%. The cost of household items like diapers, paper products and hygiene items has also increased dramatically.

At the same time, PRC has responded to 75% more visits for food compared to last fall. With the holidays coming up, typically the busiest time of year for PRC, LePage anticipates more people will visit for services like food assistance and social services.

“The need is great,” said Jeni Fabian, chief executive officer. “Through Groceries for Good, we are inviting the community to help in whatever way they can. Together, we can make sure every neighbor has the food they need to take care of themselves and their families.”

DuPage neighbors can make a difference this month with PRC by:

  • Making a donation in the amount that works best for you
  • Asking your employer to match your gift and double its impact
  • Hosting a food drive in your neighborhood, school, business or faith community
  • Hosting a personal care drive in your neighborhood, school, business or faith community
  • Volunteering with PRC’s grocery assistance programs in Wheaton, Westmont and West Chicago
  • Donating clean paper and reusable bags for distribution

You can visit PRC’s website at www.peoplesrc.org for more information, opportunities and toolkits to get involved.

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 About People’s Resource Center

PRC’s grocery assistance services reach 3,000 households each month, saving families, on average, $1,090 that they can use for other bills. With 2,200 volunteers supported by 48 staff, we operate programs that improve access to good food, seasonal clothing, financial assistance, technology and other social services and opportunities to learn new skills, confidently navigate a job search, create art, and engage socially with others. The PRC Community responds to basic needs, promotes dignity and justice, and creates a future of hope and opportunity for the residents of DuPage County. For more information, visit www.peoplesrc.org.

For additional information:
Carl Alston
Marketing & Communications Manager
630.384.1355 (office)
630.202.8294 (mobile)