Orland Township Trustee Matariyeh joins School District Trustee Jaber in showcasing Food Pantry
Orland Township Trustee Lena Matariyeh, who was elected to her position with the largest vote turnout in the April 1 elections, is off to an amazing start promoting the needs of the Orland Township community.
Even though Orland Township has had a food pantry for many years, what’s new is that she and the board are trying to give the pantry a higher profile, encouraging people to actively participate in the pantry by donating goods or attending one of their community game nights to help showcase the pantry and its services.
To help boost the pantry, which has received tremendous support in the past from former Township Clerk Cindy Murray, and former Assessor Rich Kelly, and also from current Assessor Antonio Rubino and community leader Tracy Sullivan, Matariyeh joined with High School District 230 Trustee and newly appointed Orland Fire Commissioner Mohammed Jaber to put a spotlight on its important role in helping needy families.
The Orland Township Food Pantry is one of several in the region that help families in need.
“The Orland Township Food Pantry is more than a place for groceries—it’s a symbol of hope, unity, and community. I ran for Township Trustee to help bring people together and ensure access to the resources our residents need to thrive. That’s what a township is all about—serving and supporting one another,” Matariyeh said.
“When I shared a list of pantry needs, fellow officials Mohammed Jaber, Eric Schmidt, and Tracy Sullivan didn’t hesitate—they stepped up and donated right away. Giving back is one of the greatest feelings, and moments like this show the power of community in action.”
Jaber said it is so important for local officials to help brighten the spotlight and community awareness of the important role the Food Pantry plays in helping needy families to encourage more food donations and support.
“Many residents in Illinois could lose food access in the coming months with the bill that was just passed at the federal level,” Jaber said.
“The Orland Township Food Pantry is crucial for the communities we serve, and it’s one of the many ways in which local government can offer additional support for the people who need it most.”
The Orland Township Food Pantry supplies food to low-income residents who need immediate assistance. To qualify to receive food from the pantry, individuals must provide proof of residency and complete an application, which is available at the Township office.
You can CLICK HERE to view the Food Pantry’s income guidelines.
Once the application process is complete, the qualified resident leaves the Food Pantry with bags of non-perishable items, frozen and refrigerated food, and bakery goods.
Residents in need of additional assistance are encouraged to contact the Illinois Department of Human Services (SNAP/Link benefits) and the Greater Chicago Food Depository to inquire if they are eligible for benefits.
While the Food Pantry is staffed by Township personnel, it could not accomplish everything it does without the hard work of community volunteers and the generous donations of residents and local organizations and businesses. Please call the Food Pantry at (708) 403-4222 for information on volunteer and / or donation opportunities.
The Food Pantry is located at the Township office, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Click here to get even more information on Area Food Pantries.
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