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Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry And Clothes Closet Moves to New Permanent Location

General News ArticleCommunityPress ReleaseHuman Interest

BATAVIA, Ill. (Sept. 16, 2025) – The Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and Clothes Closet will officially move to its new permanent home at the end of September. Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 1, the organization will serve clients at 916 First Street, Batavia. 
 
This relocation was made possible through a $3 million Community Project Funding Grant, secured with the assistance of Congresswoman Lauren Underwood. 
 
The new facility features approximately 14,000 square feet, including offices, expanded storage, upgraded electrical service to support additional refrigeration, and both a loading dock and drive-in docks to accommodate deliveries. Operation hours will remain unchanged.
 
“We have been able to accomplish this move to a larger facility thanks to the unwavering dedication and support of our community. We are always humbled by the way Batavians rally to help their neighbors,” said Eileen Pasero, Executive Director of the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and Clothes Closet.  “This new facility will enable us to better meet the needs of our community, providing a shopping experience that centers on dignity and respect for all who visit us.”
 
Founded in 1981 by area churches during an economic downturn, the Food Pantry has supported Batavia families for 44 years. The Clothes Closet was added in the 1990s. For more than three decades, the organization operated at 100 Flinn Street in a building provided by the City of Batavia. As services grew, the space became inadequate.
 
In January 2023, with Congresswoman Underwood's support, the City secured a $3 million federal grant to relocate the Food Pantry and Clothes Closet to a larger, permanent home. The need became urgent when upgrades to the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant required demolition of the Flinn Street building. In September 2023, the Food Pantry and Clothes Closet temporarily relocated to 431 N. Raddant Road.
 
In 2024, the City purchased the First Street building. Architect Gregory A. Norris generously donated his time and expertise to design renovations tailored to the needs of clients, volunteers, and staff. 
 
The Food Pantry and Clothes Closet will open to clients on Oct. 1, 2025, with a new website and logo launching the same day. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and community open house are planned for later this fall. 
 
By the numbers: The Food Pantry and Clothes Closet at a glance:

  • Over 800 Batavia and Batavia Township families registered to use the Pantry/Closet 
  • Serving over 1,300 individuals each month, including 400 families; 35% of those are children and 12% are seniors 
  • Member of the Northern Illinois Food Bank Cooperative; every $1 donated provides $8 in food
  • Majority of food distributed comes from food rescue efforts, with Food Pantry vans visiting partner grocery stores four times a week 
  • Last year, received 350,000 pounds of food from food rescue programs and 100,000 pounds from community donations and food drives 
  • Relies on 11,000 volunteer hours annually, supported by one full-time and four part-time staff members
  • Community members interested in volunteering or donating can learn more at Bataviafoodpantry.org
 

The New Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and Clothes Closet building at 916 First St., Batavia.
Photo courtesy of Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and Clothes Closet.
 
The City of Batavia is located 35 miles west of Chicago along the banks of the Fox River. Settled in the 1830s, Batavia earned the nickname ‘The Windmill City’ when it was the windmill manufacturing capital of the world at the turn of the 20th Century. Batavia is home to more than 1,200 businesses, including Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory, the U.S. Headquarters of Aldi Inc, and Suncast Corporation. Batavia’s historic charm, excellent school system, and unparalleled recreational and shopping amenities make it a great place to live, work and play for its over 26,000 residents.
 
The Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, volunteer agency directed and operated by community and local church volunteers residing throughout the greater Fox Valley area. It is also a member of the Northern Illinois Food Bank Cooperative. Those who visit and use the Food Pantry are our neighbors and friends, people with disabilities, seniors, low-income families, and families whose member(s) have lost their jobs. Once a client/family has been certified they may use the Pantry once a month. In addition, all clients may come during the last half hour of operation on any day the Pantry is open for produce and bakery items.
 

Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry And Clothes Closet Moves to New Permanent Location