Celebrating 40 Years of Service
Meet Our Team
Beth Novotney
President
Mark Phelan
Pantry Manager
Open
Vice President
Judy Phelan
Treasurer
Stacy Schuble
Secretary
Ginger Kelly
Board Member
Laura Shallow
Board Member
Carol Kyle
Board Member
Kelly Duffy
Board Member
Linda Kosary
Board Member
Eileen McNichols
Board Member
LCM Associate
 |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |
1981
The Village Pantry Coalition (VPC),commonly known as the Evergreen Park Food Pantry, was established by a coalition of Churches, representatives of the Village administration, community organizations and residents to help our Evergreen Park neighbors who may find themselves needing temporary food assistance in an emergency situation caused by unemployment, illness, fire, or other unforeseen circumstances.
2003
Sister Margaret Christina Hoban
Little Company of Mary Sisters
A Healthier Evergreen, Inc. (AHE) was formed in February 2003 by Sister Margaret Christina Hoban, one of the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, with the initial funding generously provided by the Ozinga family. The mission of AHE was dedicated to working together toward a healthier Evergreen Park, through mutual support, education, respect, dignity and concern for all members of the community.
Several programs were established under this mission including:
-
Creating an awareness of the health implications of obesity
-
Reducing domestic abuse and violence
-
Encouraging and supporting local cultural diversity within the community
-
Caring for the poor and needy of the community
​
2021
The Village Pantry Coalition expanded beyond its food distribution mission in 2021 to include emergency financial assistance when it merged with A Healthier Evergreen, Inc. (AHE). Up until the merger with VPC, AHE provided emergency financial assistance to Evergreen Park residents in need.
VPC and AHE worked together on an initiative to distribute personal hygiene products to Evergreen Park residents who used the Village Pantry. Additionally, several AHE volunteers were also active volunteers at the Village Pantry, so the formal joining of forces of these two organizations was inevitable.
"We all have the power within us to do good."
The collaboration between the Village Pantry Coalition (VPC) and A Healthier Evergreen (AHE) opened our eyes to the plight of our neighbors. Not only were some going hungry, but others were experiencing unforeseen illnesses and emergencies that caused financial hardship, often times bringing them to the brink of bankruptcy. More often than not, our neighbors are now living paycheck-to-paycheck, and one big expense can cause a domino effect that is difficult to overcome. AHE's connections to to the Salvation Army and CEDA, along with the St. Vincent DePaul Society's resources, meant that we could offer much more to our residents than food. We could offer sustenance.
​
The combination of VPC and AHE allows us to offer more services to our neighbors in need, allowing our clients to know the safety net that so many of us enjoy.