Post by CHC member, Rebecca M.
Right between the boisterous Wrigley Field and the affluent Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, you find the Lakeview Food Pantry. Opening in 1970 part of the pantry’s’ mission is to “increase the independence of our clients through self-help initiatives and other innovative programs.” Chicago Health Corps members have facilitated this initiative by providing health education sessions since January.
After serving at their host sites during the day, members traveled to the pantry and taught sessions for clients there every Wednesday evening. The sessions ranged from a variety of topics like sexual and reproductive health, diabetes, asthma, and smoking cessation. During these sessions the clients were empowered to make healthy lifestyle changes. And healthy changes were made by two clients who were able to quit smoking after Danielle Nelson, a CHC member, facilitated a smoking cessation class/support group.
Members learned as much as the clients did while teaching the sessions. While in the pantry, challenges such as food scarcity and other needs of the clients were apparent. The basic needs of the clients would not have been met had the Lakeview Pantry not been there to offer assistance. They offer home deliveries to clients, a choice market where clients can choose the food they want and specialty diabetic and heart healthy bags for patrons.
As a CHC volunteer said, “Spending time at the Lakeview Food Pantry has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. The staff works to improve the lives of their clients who come in for food, but walk out with warm clothes, a full stomach, and feeling good about themselves.” We are grateful for the opportunity with the pantry to assist an important agency within our community.
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