In honor of World Food Day, Loretto Hospital unveiled the first 24/7 food pantry in the Austin neighborhood on Monday morning during a ribbon cutting ceremony. Loretto Hospital President and CEO Tesa Anewishki, Illinois State Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Illinois State Representative Camille Y. Lilly, alongside community members joined to welcome the hospital’s new Community Cupboard, a food and wellness pantry providing non-perishable food items, toiletries, and other personal care essentials for neighbors in need. Supported by donations from hospital staff and community partners, Loretto’s Community Cupboard will be the first food distribution center in Austin to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Food and other Cupboard items will be available on a “no questions asked,” “take what you need” basis. Hunger is a global crisis perpetuated by the social and economic barriers that fatigue under-resourced, asset deficient communities. Celebrated annually by groups concerned with hunger and food security, World Food Day commemorates the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in 1945. Loretto Hospital is located at 645 S. Central Ave., Chicago.

Photo Credit: Loretto Hospital