St. Sabina food pantry reopens weeks after Catholic Charities shut it down

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - St. Sabina Catholic Church has reopened a food pantry in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood that was closed last month and left many area residents looking for other ways to feed themselves and their families.

The pantry had been serving about 900 people a month when it was closed by Catholic Charities last month because of the cost.

It's located at 1120 W. 79th Street, near the church. Tuesday, dozens of people were lined up when it reopened.

“It’s about a $400,000 a year endeavor. It’s a major thing, and we don’t have the money for the first year yet, but it will come,” Father Michael Pfleger said. “You gotta have some kind of a crazy faith. Thurgood Marshall had a saying that I’ve always loved, ‘Do the right thing and let the world catch up.’”

The model is different from other food pantries. People can shop like they do in a grocery store.

“People can feel a dignity about it and respect, it’s better than the grocery store because it’s free,” Pfleger said.

Gregory was shopping when WBBM stopped by. Asked if he’s appreciative, he said, “one hundred and ten percent.”

Another man, Andre, shops and volunteers at the pantry.He said, “It's needed, it's dramatically needed.”

The church is working with the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Pfleger said would love donations, food or money.

Donations can be made at saintsabina.org .

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