The Chicago Bears, The Salvation Army, and the Greater Chicago Food Depository recently teamed up to tackle hunger in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, a community known as a food desert. The Bears Neighborhood Pantry, the first of three events planned on Chicago’s south and west sides this winter, has already benefited many in the area.

Seeking to help their neighbors, these three organizations partnered to create one-day, market-style food pantries. Personal shoppers helped clients choose from a selection of fresh meats and locally grown produce, as well as canned goods, bread, milk, flowers, and more.

“The timing of this program is vital as food insecurity is distinctly felt at the holidays when a meal is about more than just food – it's about family, togetherness, and celebration.

The next Bears Neighborhood Pantry will be on January 7 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at The Salvation Army Harbor Light Corps Community Center in West Humboldt Park (825 N. Christiana Avenue, Chicago). Learn more at salarmychicago.org/bearspantry.