Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry executive director Katie Arko told Aurora Lions Club members January 15 the pantry is continuing its core mission of feeding neighbors in need.
During a noon talk at Riverview Diner in Montgomery, Arko reported what her nonprofit does and how the public can help.
“We’re continuing our core mission of feeding neighbors facing unexpected setbacks,” Arko emphasized. “Donations of food and dollars are crucial.”
Aurora Lions Club secretary and past president Bobby Menendez said the club donated $2,500 in 2023 and $2,000 in 2024.
Ark noted that as area ICE raids picked up, the pantry adapted to increased need and fear within immigrant communities, ensuring food access remained consistent.
“In 2025,” she said, “the pantry, supported by grants like one from the Dunham Foundation, focused heavily on expanding our Pantry2Go drive-up service, providing more food, especially during holidays. “Additionally, we introduced a new initiative for emergency food boxes in Jefferson Middle School in West Aurora School District 129 and other elementary and middle schools. This ensures kids still receive meals despite increased apprehension due to immigration fears affecting families.”
Other key activities were:
•Expanded Pantry2Go: Increased capacity for drive-up service to meet higher demand, particularly following federal immigration enforcement concerns, providing more food and holiday meals.
•Community Partnerships: Collaborated with organizations like NIU’s P-20 Network, funded by Dunham Foundation of Aurora, to build local capacity for work-based learning, indirectly supporting community stability.
•Holiday Distributions: Provided special holiday meal boxes and turkeys, facilitated by community volunteers like Ravago Americas.
•Continued Operations: Maintained regular distribution and office hours, emphasizing that donations make a significant impact–“$1 provides $8 worth of food..”
“Thanks to donors and volunteers’ efforts,” Arko said, “we were able to serve a record number over the holiday season. December numbers included 13,600 individuals served, 3,900 households served, 149 new households registered for assistance and 219,400 pounds donated.”
Arko stressed the need for more individual and group volunteers. “Have some New Year’s resolutions you’d like to cross off? Volunteering is a great way to accomplish several goals at once.
“Volunteers enjoy increased physical activity, form new friendships and develop skills all while making a difference in the lives of their neighbors. Whether you’re looking to get more involved in your community or exploring corporate responsibility activities for your workplace, we have a wide range of opportunities for both individuals as well as groups.”
—Al Benson