People's Resource Center food pantry is back open after an EF-0 tornado knocked out its power for 14 hours on Tuesday, July 28, but its shelves are far from full. Staff are asking Wheaton-area residents to drop off food or donate money to help replace the three tons of refrigerated and frozen groceries the pantry was forced to throw away.
About 600 households depend on the pantry each week.
"It was heartbreaking to throw away the food because we know how much our neighbors need these groceries," CEO Jeni Fabian told CBS News Chicago on Wednesday.
The storm hit at 11:55 a.m. while Fabian and staff were stocking shelves. When power didn't return for 14 hours, the contents of two coolers, three standing coolers, a walk-in cooler, and a walk-in freezer all had to go. Food Pantry Supervisor Megan Ernsteen led about 20 volunteers through the cleanup, telling ABC7 Chicago on Thursday, July 30, that the scene involved foul smells and badly spoiled food after 14 hours without refrigeration.
The pantry canceled its regular Tuesday hours but still managed to serve 50 families that day with food that remained safe. Some of those visitors were storm victims themselves. Volunteer Charles Hold told ABC7 that several clients said they had lost power at home and all their own food.
The National Weather Service confirmed the EF-0 tornado struck near Wheaton that afternoon. The pantry reopened Thursday, July 30, and donations have started arriving, but staff say much more is needed.
Wheaton resident Joe Matuch, who donated money toward restocking, told CBS News Chicago he wanted to support the pantry because of the work it does for refugees and other neighbors in need. His son Sam chipped in $6 from his allowance.
Every dollar donated to PRC carries $5 in purchasing power through the Northern Illinois Food Bank, according to a Wheaton Lions Club food drive page. The organization distributed more than 53,573 shopping carts of food to DuPage families in 2025 and serves roughly 25,000 people per year across its Wheaton and Westmont locations.
How to help
Food drop-offs are accepted at PRC's Wheaton campus, 201–211 S. Naperville Road, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Fresh produce, protein, and dairy are especially needed.
Monetary donations can be made at peoplesrc.org.
