Glen-Ed Pantry Sets Record With 11,350 Meals Delivered to Local Kids This Summer 

EDWARDSVILLE — Glen-Ed Pantry has provided a record 11,350 meals to local children this summer through its Brown Bag Buddies program. This is its highest total yet as the organization also outfits students for the new school year and starts construction on a larger facility to keep pace with growing demand.

Each Monday morning throughout the summer, volunteers distributed five breakfasts and five lunches to every participating child at Glen-Ed Pantry, Hamel Elementary School, Worden Elementary School and University Flats, closing the gap left when school meal programs go on break. The final distribution of the season is Monday, Aug. 10.

The Glen-Ed Food Pantry issued a big thank you to the Edwardsville Police Department Youth Academy for collecting and donating an incredible 609 pounds of food to the Glen-Ed Pantry. Those individuals are shown above.

This generous contribution will help provide food and support to local families facing food insecurity.

The record meal count comes amid rising food costs and financial pressure on local households, as demand for pantry services continues to climb. To keep up, Glen-Ed Pantry is now under construction on a new facility that will expand its capacity to serve the community for decades to come. The new facility is expected to be completed in Q2 of 2027.

"The gratitude we receive from families reminds us why this program is so important," said Glen-Ed Pantry executive director Jane Ahasay. "Parents have shared that they didn't know how they would have fed their child during the summer without Brown Bag Buddies. That's exactly why we're here."

As families prepare for the new school year, Glen-Ed Pantry's annual Back-to-School program is providing hundreds of children with the school supplies requested by their classroom teacher, including a new backpack, a gift card for shoes and new socks and underwear.

"Every child deserves the opportunity to walk into school feeling prepared and confident," Ahasay said. "These items may seem simple, but they can make a tremendous difference for families who are already stretching every dollar."

Both programs are made possible by local donors and volunteers who invest in the well-being of children throughout the community.

Community members interested in learning more or contributing to the capital campaign, Brown Bag Buddies or the Back-to-School program can visit glenedpantry.org or call (618) 656-7506.

About Glen-Ed Pantry

Glen-Ed Pantry is a nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating hunger and supporting individuals and families in need throughout the Edwardsville and Glen Carbon communities. Through food assistance programs, community partnerships, and volunteer support, the pantry works to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food and essential resources. For more information about the pantry or to make a donation, visit glenedpantry.org or call (618) 656-7506.

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