Mary Lou Gates Mahalik, 77, drives more than two hours round trip from Joliet to Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital every day to receive care for her husband of 50 years, Joe Mahalik, an Army veteran.
Shortly after Joe started receiving care at Hines for his multiple health issues, the couple discovered the food pantry available to veterans on the Hines campus. “Oh, the pantry has been so helpful,” said Mary Lou. “We get some great food here that lasts us a while, and the people that work here are so kind. We’re endlessly grateful.”
A veteran musician plays music for the pantry guests at the Hines VA 10th anniversary celebration.
The Hines VA food pantry, launched in collaboration with the Food Depository on Veterans Day 2014, was one of the first pantries inside a VA facility in the country. Over the past decade, this partnership has provided fresh produce, shelf-stable groceries and nutritious food to more than 45,000 veteran households, making a lasting impact on those who served in the military. Today, the pantry continues to serve 100–150 veterans weekly, addressing the critical needs of the 14,000 veterans in Cook County living in poverty.
This year, at the food distribution the week of Veterans Day, the Food Depository celebrated ten years of partnering with Hines to provide veterans access to healthy food.
Bob McMahon, a Marine veteran, has volunteered at the food pantry every week since its inception. When McMahon first visited Hines VA, he’d been living on the streets for three years. The VA not only served his medical needs, but they also helped him find an apartment he could afford.
Bob McMahon gets ready to serve food to veterans with his fellow volunteers.
Ten years ago, McMahon was waiting for a medical appointment at Hines when he overheard someone talking about starting a new pantry for the veterans at the hospital. McMahon wanted to give back to his fellow veterans in need, so he volunteered to help with the pantry and has been back every Thursday since.
“I wanted to help because I knew there were veterans out there that were going through it, and I’ve been through it myself, so I understand,” said Bob.
“It’s veterans helping veterans. This place saved my life, so the least I can do is pay it forward. Now, I look forward to coming here every single week. You can tell this makes a difference in people’s lives, and it’s great to see.”
Lloyd Nolen, 67, visits the pantry regularly. Nolen was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, where he still lives. He enlisted in the Army when he was 20 years old and served overseas for eight years.
A volunteer assists Lloyd Nolen in picking out his groceries.
A few years ago, Nolen visited Hines VA for the first time due to issues with his knee. While getting treatment, they offered to address other health issues and introduced him to various resources, including the food pantry. Nolen lives alone on a fixed income and finds it difficult to afford nutritious food on a consistent basis, so he visits the pantry regularly.
“They got all-around care. I get everything I need here – including food, which I’m grateful for. They have really good, healthy food, which is important for my health and my mental health.”
In addition to the pantry at the Hines VA Medical Center, the Food Depository also supports veterans by participating in the Stand Down events that are held biannually in Chicago. At the Stand Downs, veterans receive much-needed services such as medical care, clothing, haircuts, benefits assistance and food.
At every Stand Down, the Food Depository hosts a pop-up pantry, where veterans can take home fresh produce and shelf-stable goods. We also provide hot lunches for the veterans who attend the event.
Karen McLiesch, a Navy veteran, grabbed a bag of groceries and a lunch on her way out of the most recent Stand Down. “I’m grateful for events like the Stand Down because it’s good to know that so many people care about us veterans.”
Karen McLeisch receives a bag of groceries from a Food Depository volunteer.
Events like the Stand Down and the Hines VA pantry are critical, as thousands of veterans across the country face food insecurity and struggle to access nutritious meals. McLiesch served in the Navy for 11 years and has a daughter who served in the Navy as well. She hopes that veterans, including her daughter, will continue to be looked after. “Thank you for providing healthy food for us and thank you for caring about us.”
The Food Depository is honored to serve veterans across Chicago and Cook County and is grateful for their service to our country. We look forward to continuing our support of veterans alongside our partners.
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