Pastor opens food pantry in West Side neighborhood to bridge food gap
CHICAGO – A local pastor with a heart to serve as many people as possible has added a much-needed food pantry to a West Side neighborhood.
The new Fuel Movement Community Center Food Pantry, located in the 4200 block of West Cermak Road in North Lawndale, has been open for nearly a month now, thanks in large part to Pastor Darrell Glover Sr.
"We wanted them to have a nice, clean, healthy shopping experience," Glover said.
Glover's vision includes building families and bridging gaps, particularly in North Lawndale, where his church is locate. He sad the neighborhood lacks grocery stores and affordable food options, which is why he added the food pantry.
"I noticed there was a gap because no pantries are open on Sundays over here, so we wanted people to have a nice home cooked meal," Glover said.
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The Fuel Movement Food Pantry collaborates with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to offer families a selection of groceries.
"I got some greens, chicken, fruits, veggies, everything that we need, milk to make our bones strong," Fuel Movement shopper and volunteer Sharon Jenkins said.
Jenkins is a mother of eight and volunteers with Fuel Movement. She said the new pantry helps her make ends meet.
"I'm glad [Glover] got all the support and sponsors behind him to do this, because this is needed. This is nothing that we want, this is needed," Jenkins said.
Along with the food pantry, Fuel Movement serves meals on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. They also offer technology training for seniors and give clothing away during the week.
"It really warms my heart to know that we are meeting the needs of the people in the community," Glover said.
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Glover ultimately hopes to see North Lawndale and surrounding neighborhoods thrive economically. He believes each step Fuel Movement takes to lend a hand will bring him closer to seeing that dream become a reality.
Since opening, Fuel Movement's Food Pantry has served about 700 people and they are hoping to serve so many more.
The food pantry is open on Fridays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon.
More information can be found .
