Glen Ed Pantry builds new home as need rises 20%

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (First Alert 4) - Glen Ed Pantry is building a new home while working to raise the remaining funds needed to finish construction. The pantry has raised $2.1 million of the $3 million the building costs.

Executive Director Jane Ahasay said most pantries operate out of repurposed buildings. Right now, Ahasay works from a makeshift office in a hallway.

Four months after breaking ground, the building has defined rooms and a new service area. Plans include a commercial kitchen.

“Two years ago, I would walk that lot, and I would try to imagine it. And this is so much better than what I imagined,” Ahasay said.

The pantry is seeing a 20% increase in need and is feeding more than 700 people a month. The need is expected to continue.

“We are feeling some of those times right now with the increase in gas prices, with the increase in food, everything. It’s just kind of a perfect storm right now for people needing help,” Ahasay said.

The new space will help the pantry get food to people more efficiently. Staff members currently shop for food two to three times a week.

“So to be able to buy a pallet and not use those resources to do that,” Ahasay said.

The new building will include a commercial kitchen to prepare donated food and teach families how to cook.

“Just being able to do that to teach families how to cook low salt, low sugar, use a vegetable that they’ve never tried before,” Ahasay said.

The pantry has an active capital campaign. About $900,000 remains to be raised, hopefully by the end of the year.

“It is taking all of the $3 million to build that building,” Ahasay said. “The operation doesn’t stop. We don’t stop buying food just because we’re building a new building.”

If you would like to donate, you can find the link here. Ahasay says the pantry is always accepting food and clothing donations. People can sign up to participate in the Scouting for Food event here.