West Suburban Community Pantry in Woodridge reopens in-person shopping

WOODRIDGE – After the omicron variant of COVID-19 forced the closing of West Suburban Community Pantry’s in-store shopping in January for the safety of customers, volunteers and staff, the Pantry Store is set to reopen for regular, in-store shopping from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 26.

Customers can choose their preferences for fresh produce, meat and fish, dry goods, dairy and baked goods, as well as supplies including diapers and wipes, pet food and cleaning and household products. A new section offering items for school and adult lunches will be unveiled, as well, a news release stated.

After several weeks of boxed curbside distribution through challenging winter weather, WSCP Executive Director Laura Coyle looks forward to having the Pantry Store open again.

“It is always our preference to have our neighbors shop the store themselves if we can do so safely. We believe that food shopping at a pantry should be a dignified experience that is as close to food shopping at a grocery store as possible,” she said in the release. “We will always aim for the most fulfilling and safe experience as we can provide.”

The pantry will abide by local and state guidelines regarding COVID safety measures, the release stated. Masks will be required for shoppers and volunteers alike on Saturday. The reopening is based on the recent decrease in reported COVID cases and hospitalization numbers in DuPage County.

“We will continue to do everything we can to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for all, and we are looking forward to welcoming our neighbors back,” Coyle said. “We’ll be smiling, even in masks.”

The pause in in-store shopping resulted in a steady rise in customers registering to use the pantry’s recently launched Virtual Food Pantry at www.virtualfoodpantry.net, which offers online ordering and pickup at a time and location most convenient for the customer. The pantry has focused its efforts in the last two years on ways to increase access, choice and dignity in providing food. The newly renovated Pantry Store also continues to expand its offering of ethnic and dietary choices.

West Suburban Community Pantry provides food and resources to people facing hunger, unlocking access to nutritious meals, and strengthening hope for tomorrow, the release stated.

Rooted in the community for 30 years, the pantry offers the on-site Pantry Store in Woodridge, the Virtual Food Pantry, and a senior home delivery program to households in need in DuPage County, Bolingbrook and Romeoville. The pantry also runs child nutrition programs in local school districts, and connects families to financial assistance and free workshops.

For information on the pantry services and shopping hours, visit www.wscpantry.org.