JT Partners with Lakeview Pantry to Open Satellite Location at Wrigley Field
With an almost 300 percent increase in demand for food programs due to COVID-19, Lakeview Pantry sought a solution to address this new challenge.
While the world has been grappling with the how to navigate life during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people dealing with food insecurity has never been greater. Before the “stay-at-home” order began in March, Lakeview Pantry had existed for 50 years to serve those struggling with hunger. Since the COVID-19 crisis, they have seen an almost 300 percent increase in demand for their food programs. With limited space at their existing locations on the near North and West sides of Chicago to meet this increased need, Lakeview Pantry sought a solution that would allow them flexibility for their staff and volunteers to address this new demand challenge.
We were proud to partner with Lakeview Pantry on the transition to their new temporary packing and distribution site at Wrigley Field. Our event logistics team worked closely with Pantry and Chicago Cubs leadership to coordinate the set-up and management that successfully turned the iconic ballpark into a working food pantry. From food storage, food sorting, box packing to social distancing guidelines and volunteer management, our team provided 24/7 support to ensure that the Lakeview Pantry satellite operation was able to quickly and safely get up and running.
With increased need for food, there also arose an increased need for volunteers. Our media and digital experts provided strategy and outreach to help rally the giving spirit of Chicagoans willing to roll up their sleeves and volunteer. After a robust social media push, and an official (and socially distant) media kick-off event with Mayor Lightfoot and Tom and Laura Ricketts, Chicago was quick to answer the call. Within 24 hours of the announcement of the Pantry’s satellite opening at Wrigley Field, volunteer sign-ups soon produced a two-week waiting list.
Now, the work is not over. The JT team continues to provide onsite logistics support at Wrigley Field – whether it’s problem-solving for the food operations, loading and unloading donated food from trucks, working with volunteers on food packing, or everything in between. We could not be more proud to continue to serve the vitally essential workers at Lakeview Pantry and the countless fellow Chicagoans who are depending on them at this most challenging time.
EVENT LOGISTICS
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