19 Years of Giving at the Community Food Pantry
The Mosque Foundation Community Food Pantry has been humbly serving low-income neighbors for nearly two decades. Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity, or do you know someone who would benefit from this service? Read more to find out.
At the Mosque Foundation, part of our mission is to address the needs of every component of an American Muslim’s life. This includes taking a proactive, comprehensive approach to community service. The Mosque Foundation Community Food Pantry offers sustenance to lines of people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, place of residence, or religious background.
Unlike other local food pantries that open once a month, the Mosque Foundation Community Food Pantry is open every Monday from 10 am to 1 pm. It is located at 7210 W 90th Place in Bridgeview. Jeanean Othman, the director and one of the founders, has been working at the food pantry since its inception over 18 years ago. When the food pantry first opened its doors, she recalls how no more than a handful of people would show up. Today, people line up before the doors are open. We serve between 150-200 families per week.
The food pantry is supported by generous individual community members who call in to ask how they can help or drop off food items. Additionally, the Greater Chicago Food Depository and local businesses donate 9 pallets of food twice a month.
In addition to financial and in-kind donations, volunteers devote their time and energy to keep the food pantry running smoothly. Jeanean and the volunteers experience first-hand the level of dedication that goes into running a food pantry. Volunteers handle each situation by delegating roles based on talent and experience. Volunteers take their job seriously but also find time to have fun and enjoy the experience.
Jeanean has a staff of about 10 loyal volunteers who come in every week regardless of what life throws at them. These volunteers are mainly mothers who are local community members and know the value of giving back. Jeanean also mentions a few volunteers, males and females, who are not even part of the Muslim community but contribute with their time and energy to help those who are less fortunate. Also, high school and college-aged students fulfill their community service hours by volunteering at the food pantry. Students are grateful for the opportunity to serve in a Muslim-run organization.
The Mosque Foundation Community Food Pantry takes pride in the fact that no one is ever turned away. Whether you are an individual who recently lost your job and need something to eat for the day, a single parent trying to make ends meet, elderly grandparents with custody of grandchildren, a new immigrant or refugee who needs help adjusting to the unfamiliar country and customs, or a widow—when you come into the food pantry, you will not only receive a variety of fruits and vegetables, a couple of pounds of meat or poultry, and a few boxes and cans of non-perishables, you will also be welcomed with a smile and treated with respect. We believe that everyone deserves to feel like part of the community.
The Mosque Foundation Community Food Pantry follows the strict guidelines of the USDA and the Greater Chicago Food Depository. We are certified based on our high standards by taking classes, keeping up to date with regulations, and maintaining a clean and sanitary environment.
Contact us for more information: mc@mosquefoundation.org
