Pat Barcas/staff photographer
Even though its been open for some time now, the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry made its grand opening offical May 28 and invited the public to its ribbon cutting event.
By Pat Barcas
Staff writer
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Email Pat Barcas at pat@foxvalleylabornews.com
AURORA — Hopefully, now that the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry has had its official ribbon cutting ceremony, the organization won’t need an even larger building for awhile.
Of course, the demand hasn’t slowed down one bit since the new 8,000 square foot facility on Jericho Road opened in the summer of 2012.
“Since January, requests for food are up 14 percent,” said Kristan Ensminger, director of operations.
Thankfully, the new pantry is about three times larger than the old facility at Hesed House on South River Street. It also has an indoor waiting area, a walk in freezer, new loading docks, warehouse space, offices for staff, several public bathrooms, private orientation rooms for new members, and a play area for children. Patrons can also choose which food they would like to take home, instead of the old place’s partially pre-packaged choices.
Pat Barcas/staff photographer
The Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry shows off its refrigerated section, which displays milk, cheese and other cold food items available for its clients.
About 100 people gathered May 28 for the official ribbon cutting, which signaled the end of the finishing touches on the offices upstairs.
“The best part of today is just seeing everyone here to support the pantry and what we do. It’s a great feeling,” said Marilyn Weisner, executive director.
She said the pantry’s biggest intangible offering is dignity to its customers.
“The pantry provides dignity to everyone who visits. People no longer have to worry about where they are getting their next meal. We are so grateful to everyone tonight, this is truly a community effort,” said Weisner.
Lynn Flores, pantry board president, said the search for the new building was a long one, but worth it.
“We knew when we were operating at Hesed House and saw people waiting in line outside in the weather, there has got to be a better way to make the pantry better for the community,” she said.
The search was on. A steering committee was formed, and building grants secured. The pantry board managed to raise $425,000 to match a Dunham Fund grant. The new building was purchased in early 2012.
“It’s great to support an organization run by volunteers who make the community a better place,” said Bob Vaughan, executive director of the Dunham Fund.
“This facility is large enough to serve a good amount of people,” said Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner. “The people here are who make me proud to be mayor of Aurora,” he said pointing to the group of supporters.