PRC FOOD RESCUE: SURPLUS MEETS NEED
In Strategy & Service CEO Insights
Neighbor to Neighbor Moving Forward
In Strategy & Service
People’s Resource Center Board and Staff President Ingrid Becton
Dear Neighbor, As we welcome the summer, PRC has reflected on the past year of celebrating our 50th anniversary of neighbor-toneighbor mission in DuPage County. It has been a time of joy, inspiration, and re-commitment to the values that have guided PRC all along the way. As we recognized the milestone year, we also planned for the future. We listened to neighbors who come to PRC for services, we listened to volunteers and team members, and we listened to partner service organizations. We studied how community needs have changed and evolved in recent years. Throughout the planning process, we asked: How should PRC show up for our neighbors now, guided by the values that have kept us resilient for 50 years? I am pleased to share the new strategic priorities that will focus PRC’s work over the next five years. Keeping client needs at the center, our plan is titled “Neighbors First.” New priorities will lead us to: Connect neighbors with multiple wrap-around services, at PRC and through service partners Grow Empowerment opportunities at offsite partnerships Lift up voices of our neighbors and educate the community about issues and trends Engage our extraordinary volunteers for event deeper impact As we prepare for these impactful goals, PRC continues to serve more neighbors seeking food assistance and emergency financial help. The impact of recent policy changes is being felt locally, for neighbors who already used PRC services and for families who are stretching even more to make ends meet. In this newsletter we are proud to shine a light on how PRC obtains a healthy variety of fresh food through our community connections. We welcome grocery stores as well as gardeners to keep our shelves filled! PRC works closely with food pantries, food suppliers, service partners, and local leaders across DuPage County. Together, we meet needs efficiently and with dignity for our neighbors. We know that when all our neighbors can thrive, we build a stronger community. We are so thankful to you – our champions and partners – who keep us ready to serve all the neighbors who come through our doors. Thank you for being such extraordinary neighbors. We look forward to growing in partnership with you. In mission and service,
Jeni Fabian Chief Executive Officer
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Vice President Shayne Purdue Treasurer Leanne Sardiga Secretary Mike Rothkopf Board Members Cheryl Blum Consuelo Cabral Kim Coyne John Dalby, Jr. Bill Delbridge Laura Desmarais John Harrold Mike Hawley Brent Loebig Erica Nelson Erin Keyser Norton Chuck Shanabruch Kunal Vora Dr. Leatha Ware Sue Winkler Chief Executive Officer Jenifer Fabian Vice President of Advancement Michelle Jimenez Vice President of Programs Christina LePage Vice President of Finance Linda Cheatham Vice President of Human Resources Sue Bultman Vice President of Operations Tammy Kerr Founder Dorothy McIntyre
When Surplus Meets Need: The Power of Food Rescue
As costs rise, so does the need for PRC’s food rescue partners Groceries or gas? How do you decide? More families in DuPage County are spending a larger chunk of their paycheck for necessities—buying healthy food, putting gas in the car and keeping the lights on. Too often, neighbors must make tradeoffs between everyday essentials. In DuPage County, shoppers are paying increasingly more for their groceries. Meanwhile, wages haven’t kept up. As a result, fresh and nutritious food is not easily accessible for all households. Compounded by new cuts in SNAP benefits, more nutritious (and expensive) foods are out of reach for many facing food insecurity. For 50 years, the PRC community has been a resource for families to stretch their grocery budgets in difficult times like these — without sacrificing their families’ health. “The food pantry services at PRC have been incredibly helpful for our family,” one neighbor shared. “With our bills going up $400 a month, coming to the pantry has eased the grocery bill pain.” Like most families, households visiting food pantries like PRC want to put fresh, healthy food on the table. That's why produce—including tomatoes, salad greens, and even frozen fruit—is consistently the most requested item among neighbors shopping at PRC. In fact, year after year, one in four respondents to our community survey say they would like to see more fresh produce available. Two Million Pounds of Food Rescued Food rescue — the practice of collecting perfectly good food that stores can’t sell but is still safe and fresh — is one of the most effective ways to source and distribute all types of food options, especially produce. Every year, PRC rescues more than 2 million pounds of food from 30+ retail partners across the county. More than 700,000 pounds of that rescued food is fresh produce. (continued on next page)
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When Surplus Meets Need More than half of what we distribute comes from our food rescue partners, and the majority of produce, too,” said Ashley Frank, Senior Manager of Food Sourcing and Programs at PRC. “Without it, we couldn’t offer the variety of food options we do, and we would have to spend a lot more money on produce.” Target Team Member Champions Food Rescue Strong food rescue partnerships depend on more than donation programs—they rely on people who champion the work every day. For PRC, one of those advocates is Laura Holtzman, a receiver at a local Target store in Bolingbrook, whose dedication to reducing waste and feeding the community has strengthened the partnership for more than 15 years. “As a child of the 60s, I grew up in the age of reduce, reuse, and recycle,” Laura said. “And no one in this country should be going hungry. It’s not about there not being enough; it’s about access.” Her tireless advocacy for food rescue — including training dozens of employees on food safety and donation policies — has shifted mindsets and practices, leading to more donations for PRC. Since she took over the receiving dock in 2009 at Target in Bolingbrook, PRC has increased pickups from once per week to four. It’s because of people like Laura and local stores like Target that we get better food, and more of it. For her, it’s as simple as educating people about food pantries and the option to donate. “I’m constantly working with people in grocery, educating them about programs like PRC,” she shared. “Once people understand that donations support our community, they are more invested.”
PRC Welcomes Community
Food rescue operations also limit waste. Over half of food wasted each year comes from the food industry, according to Feeding America. “My goal is to reduce how much goes in the garbage and compost, safely,” Laura explains. “It might not seem like much, but even if you set aside a few items to donate each day, it adds up — and it makes a difference.”
All food rescue starts with someone who cares. Laura Holtzman, Receiver at Target in Bolingbrook, has coordinated food rescue efforts with PRC for 15+ years.
Giving Food A Second Chance These local grocers make it possible for PRC to rescue food, reduce waste, and nourish our community. Aldi: Carol Stream, Darien, Wheaton Costco: Naperville Fruitful Yield: Lombard, Naperville Jewel: Darien, Downers Grove on Main, Downers Grove on Ogden, Westmont, Wheaton-Main St., Wheaton-Danada Mariano's: Naperville, Westmont, Wheaton Misfits Market: Northlake
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Pete’s Market: Glen Ellyn, Wheaton Target: Bolingbrook, Glendale Heights, Lombard, N. Auora, St. Charles Warrenville, Wheaton, Willowbrook Trader Joe’s: Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn Walmart: Darien, Glen Ellyn, St. Charles Whole Foods: Willowbrook, Wheaton
School Supply Drive
A Neighbor's Voice Transportation Assistance Help local students start the school year strong with PRC's Back to School Drive! Scan the QR code for ways to help. All donations must be received by 8/5/26.
Save these Dates!
Dear PRC, I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for your generous help with my car repair. Your kindness and willingness to lend a hand during this time have truly touched my heart. We often take reliable transportation for granted, and your support has made a real difference in my life ... I’m able to move forward with a little more peace of mind, and I’m incredibly grateful.Your generosity truly reflects your caring heart, and I will never forget it. Thank you again for being there for me when I needed it most. With heartfelt appreciation, - CT
Holly & Hope~November 9, 11:30am - 2pm! NEW Location: Red Oak Room at Cantigny Golf Club, 27W270 Mack Road, Wheaton. 11:30am - 2pm Gavin Coyle, A Celtic Christmas~December 4, 7:30 pm. Location: McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage
Race to the Flag, Westmont
Capturing Time In a final 50th anniversary commemoration, PRC volunteers, board members and staff gathered to view artifacts and document memories, milestones, and hopes for PRC before sealing this time capsule, to be reopened in 2035.
What started with rain ended in triumph! We're grateful to the Westmont Park District and everyone who participated in the 2026 Race to the Flag 5k, benefitting PRC.
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Welcome New PRC Staff and Interns
Dietetic Intern
Food Pantry Assistant
Kara Curran
M iche l l e Jime n e z
R e b e cca L aB e l l e
M ary R ug g ie ro
Cart e r W hit e
Jack B art z
SPIN Intern
Front Desk Floater
VP of Advancement
Office Operations Supervisor
Tammy Ke rr
VP of Operations
L ucin d a Armas
Director of Donor & Community Engagement
Introducing a New PRC Board Member Erica Nelson, a longtime Wheaton resident and dedicated community leader, brings tremendous experience in education, leadership development, and civic engagement.
She currently serves as Chairperson and Executive Director of The Partnership for Educational Progress, a faculty member with the Center for Leadership at Lake Forest Graduate School of Management and an executive coach. Her passion for expanding educational opportunities, strengthening communities, and helping individuals build skills for long-term success aligns closely with PRC's mission. Erica says she’s drawn to PRC because it is more than a location and referral organization; it is a community uniting people who want to make DuPage County a kind and hope-filled place for everyone.
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BAPS Charity Walk & Run, West Chicago What a perfect day and way to celebrate BAPS’ mission of the Spirit of Service on May 30th! It was a joy to meet new friends and neighbors at The BAPS Charities Walk & Run. We were so honored to be the chosen charity for the West Chicago event. Thank you!! From left to right: Jeni Fabian (CEO) Kunal Vora (Board Member) Ingrid Becton (Board President)
Stamp Out Hunger We are so grateful to the National Association of Letter Carriers for organizing this much-appreciated food drive! Residents of Oak Brook, Westmont, and Wheaton really delivered with their generous donations and support.
NEW: Camp Create! PRC’s Creative Arts Program recently launched Camp Create, a hands-on creative camp. This summer, kids ages 7-14 have been exploring new art techniques and expressing their imaginations in a fun and supportive environment.
TO THE RESCUE: VOLUNTEER DRIVERS WANTED! The PRC Food Rescue Team would welcome volunteer drivers and helpers who ride along. Interested? Email volunteeroffice@peoplesrc.org or visit our website. • Shifts available Mon-Sat mornings • Must be over 18 years old • Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. More than 50% of the food in PRC pantries comes from food rescue! Without our volunteers, grocery surplus would not make it to our neighbors. REPORTING A CORRECTION People’s Resource Center welcomes comments and suggestions, or concerns about errors that warrant correction. Messages regarding a correction can be emailed to prc1@peoplesrc.org or you can call our Advancement Department at 630-682-5402.
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People’s Resource Center 201 S. Naperville Road Wheaton, IL 60187 630-682-5402 peoplesrc.org
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PRC Community Events Calendar Nat'l Night Out Aug 4 Westmont
Veggie Fest Aug 8 & 9 Lisle
Back-to-School Fair Aug 13
DuPage County Fairgrounds