The Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry is open: Mondays 9:00 am to 7:00 pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; and Fridays 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Food is distributed, and donations are gratefully accepted during business hours. We also have collection boxes in the vestibule at Fareway, Nosh, and at Inspire Continuing Care for donations. The Clothing room is open to all residents of Geneseo and Atkinson on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
Because of the community’s generous support, the Food Pantry provided food and emergency assistance to 164 households in June. Combined food distributions in June were equivalent to 5,287 meals. Thanks to the many donors who make all this possible!
The Food Pantry has seen an increase in families in need this year. We need donations of school supplies, which will be distributed August 7. We are most in need of: Clorox or Lysol Wipes, 24-count colored pencils, 10-count Crayola Broad Line markers, dry erase markers, ear buds with a straight plug, Elmer’s purple glue sticks, Fiskar safety scissors, headphones with straight plug, yellow highlighters, tissues, large backpacks, wide ruled loose-leaf paper, red pens, pink erasers, wide ruled notebooks, Twistable colored pencils (12-count) and Ziploc bags (all sizes). Donations may be dropped off during business hours. We have an Amazon school supplies wish list if you’d prefer to purchase them that way, and donations may be shipped directly to the Food Pantry. Check the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry website or Facebook page for the link. We could not provide school supplies without the generosity of our community. Thank you for your support!
Anyone with a Geneseo Schools student in need of school supplies should contact the Food Pantry by calling 309-944-3165 or email geneseopantry1@gmail.com to sign up!
Ed.U Tutoring and College Planning is a local company in Geneseo, IL. that helps students gain confidence through tutoring and mentoring. Ed.U is partnering with the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry to provide free services to students and families who are struggling with school or are interested in pursuing college degrees, technical skills, or military service. Ed.U also offers help with resumes, cover letters, and interviewing skills. Ed.U will tackle any educational or professional questions you may have! To schedule a one-on-one appointment, call the Food Pantry at 309 944-3165, or email geneseopantry@gmail.com.
The Food Pantry partners with UnityPoint at Home to provide two Foot Care Clinics each month. Nurses soak feet, trim and file toenails, help with ingrown toenails, and give a light foot massage with lotion. Please call 309-944-3165 or email geneseopantry1@gmail.com to make an appointment. Cost is $37. Food Pantry Guests are provided with a voucher.
Hammond-Henry Hospital Dietitians will teach a class about using fresh fruits and vegetables at the Food Pantry on Thursday, August 10, at 10:00 a.m. University of Illinois Extension will offer a container gardening class on Tuesday, August 15 at 11:00 a.m. at the Food Pantry. Both classes are free and open to the public!
Cheryl Johnson has been volunteering at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry for 1-1/2 years. She assists guests in the clothing room and sorts and arranges clothes. Cheryl has five grown children and 13 grandchildren. She enjoys crocheting, knitting, cake decorating and gardening. Cheryl said the best thing about volunteering at the Food Pantry is seeing how happy it makes everyone. Her most memorable experience at the Food Pantry was how much fun she had at the crochet class. Thank you for volunteering, Cheryl!
Food needs: Baked beans, coffee, 100% juice, mashed potatoes mix, and canned chicken.
Non-food needs: Kleenex, food storage bags, dish soap, shampoo and conditioner.
Clothing room needs: Towels, small and medium women’s underwear, and men’s boxer briefs.