EDWARDSVILLE - Glen-Ed Pantry has officially begun site preparation for the construction of its new permanent home, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s capital campaign and its long-term commitment to serving individuals and families facing food insecurity throughout the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7.
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Following the successful completion of early fundraising goals, the organization has finalized site preparation and infrastructure work, allowing construction to move forward. The new facility will replace Glen-Ed Pantry’s current public-facing location, which no longer meets the growing needs of the community and is not accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Once the new building is complete, the current facility will remain in use and be repurposed as a storage and staging site for incoming food and household donations supporting both the pantry and its Second Chance Thrift Store. This expanded footprint will allow the organization to improve efficiency, increase capacity and better manage donated goods across programs.
“This project is about dignity, access and meeting people where they are,” said Jane Ahasay, executive director of the Glen-Ed Pantry. “Our current space limits who we can serve and how we can serve them. This new building will allow us to better support our neighbors today and well into the future.”
The need for a modern, accessible pantry has become increasingly urgent as families continue to face rising food costs and economic uncertainty. Impending changes to SNAP benefits are expected to further strain households already struggling to make ends meet, increasing reliance on local food pantries and community support systems.
While construction has begun, Glen-Ed Pantry has not yet reached its full fundraising goal of $3 million for the new facility. Additional donations are needed to complete the building and fully equip the space to meet operational and accessibility standards.
Community members, businesses and philanthropic partners are encouraged to contribute to the campaign to help ensure the project is completed without delay. Every donation brings Glen-Ed Pantry closer to opening a facility designed to serve more people, more efficiently and with greater compassion.
To learn more about the capital campaign or to make a donation, visit glenedpantry.org or call (618) 656-7506.
About Glen-Ed Pantry
Glen-Ed Pantry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to working with the community to provide food and services with dignity and respect to individuals and families in the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7. The pantry relies on donors, volunteers and partnerships to deliver essential resources and support.
