Times Weekly, staff
Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital’s Joliet Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) will host a mobile food pantry on Nov. 3, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The event will be held in the Joliet CBOC parking lot and is open to all community members in need. No proof of military service, residency or income is required.
Participants will receive basic food staples, including dry goods, meat, dairy and fresh produce. Will County representatives will also be available to register qualifying individuals for SNAP food assistance.
“Tens of thousands of Will County residents are receiving food assistance each month,” said Elizabeth Thrun, Licensed Clinical Social Worker for Hines VA and the event’s coordinator. “These are our neighbors and friends. As members of the Joliet community, we want to help in their times of need.”
Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. A volunteer will load pre-packed items into each vehicle as directed by the driver. Donations will also be offered to those without access to a vehicle.
Hines VA’s Joliet CBOC is located at 1201 Eagle Street, Joliet, Illinois, 60432.
The Joliet CBOC provided food to more than 640 individuals during a similar event during events in June and July 2022. The clinic is hosting additional mobile food pantries next year.
The mobile food pantry is in partnership with the Northern Illinois Food Bank, which provides Will County residents approximately 45,000 meals each month and more than 400,000 individuals in the Chicago area. Visit www.solvehungertoday.org to find additional area food pantries.
Veterans experiencing food, housing or employment insecurity are encouraged to contact Hines VA’s Homeless Program at 708-202-4961.
