Rotary Club of Evanston Seeks Donations to Fight Food Insecurity

Evanston, IL, May 28, 2021 — The Rotary Club of Evanston is encouraging Evanston residents to donate food items in an effort to address continuing issues of food insecurity in the community -- which have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The “Together to Provide” initiative is gathering food donations at two convenient locations on behalf of the Hillside Food Pantry, one of the area’s most active sources of food for those in need.

Evanstonians who want to participate can drop food items at the Evanston Library, 1703 Orrington Ave., or at the Robert Crown Community Center, 1801 Main Street. Donation boxes are available at both locations, and donations can be made at any time either facility is open.

The club is asking for donations of food essentials, such as spaghetti (packaged), pasta sauce, canned vegetables, pancake mixes, canned soups and other non-perishable items. The food drive will continue through June 30.

In 2019, the club chose Food Security as the primary focus of its fundraising and service efforts, an initiative that will be sustained for the next several years. During the pandemic, the club has been supporting local organizations and food banks with food drives, financial funding, and volunteer staffing.

Hillside Pantry, located in northwest Evanston at 2727 Crawford Ave., is one of the area’s most important sources of food for those who are food insecure. As the problem of food insecurity has grown, Hillside Pantry has expanded to include a team that now numbers more than 90 volunteers serving more than 1,500 people each time the pantry’s doors are opened. Hillside Pantry distributes food on Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m.

For more information about the Rotary Club of Evanston, or its food insecurity efforts, please visit www.evanstonrotary.org. To learn more about Hillside Pantry, visit www.hillsidepantry.org.

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About the Rotary Club of Evanston

Founded in 1920, the Rotary Club of Evanston provides service to the community via hands-on volunteer projects and fundraising to help worthy causes. Through its 501c3 Charitable Fund, it also provides scholarships, supports international aid projects and maintains the Friendship Garden in Evanston’s Ladd Arboretum for public use. The club’s weekly luncheon meeting has historically been held Thursdays from 12 to 1:15 p.m. at One Rotary Center, 1560 Sherman Ave., Evanston. During the COVID-19 pandemic, meetings are being held online, via Zoom. Guests are welcome. To learn more about being a guest, becoming a member, or attending a Zoom meeting, please send an email to rcevanston@gmail.com or visit www.evanstonrotary.org.