WAUKEGAN, Ill. — Community leaders in Waukegan cut the ribbon Tuesday on a new kind of store for working families. But don’t call it a food pantry.
The new Urban Muslim Minority Alliance (UMMA) Harvest Market, located in the 500 block of 10th Street, aims to help locals amid the high cost of food, higher rents, unemployment, and taking a toll on working families.
Tamecca Russell with UMMA said that asking for help can be difficult for many who are not used to taking handouts.
“The whole goal was to get rid of the connotation ‘food pantry,’” Russell said. “A lot of families are struggling. Lots of families. So we’re just glad to be here.”
People lined up outside the Waukegan-area Harvest Market, with a second location across from the Lake County Courthouse.
Raul Hernandez, who told WGN News that he has been unable to find steady work for a year, said the Harvest Market is a great help. The 64-year-old said he is paying for lights, rent, and water, leaving him with next to nothing for food.
Food at the Harvest Market is free. Visitors who sign up can shop twice a month for 15 items, including one packet of meat, provided with support from the Northern Illinois Food Bank and others.
“It’s called Direct Connect,” Russell said. “We partner with Walmart, Target, and Aldi‘s—more than just fresh produce, vegetables, and meats.”
Harvest Market offers diapers, soap and cleaning supplies, toothpaste, and more, which helps people like Leticia Martinez stay on a fixed budget.
“I don’t work anymore,” Martinez said. “I’m retired and a little extra help isn’t a bad thing.”
UMMA also drives food to housebound seniors.
Harvest Market hours are Monday and Tuesday from 2 to 6 p.m. and Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those interested in reach the market at (224) 480-4320.