Non Profit Spotlight

Between Friends Food Pantry of Sugar Grove

The Village of Sugar Grove is committed to supporting the local organizations that strengthen our community. As part of this effort, Village leadership is visiting nonprofits that serve our residents to learn more about their impact, challenges, and how we can support their mission.

This month, Village President Jennifer Konen and Village Administrator Scott Koeppel met with Between Friends Food Pantry of Sugar Grove Executive Director Shari Frieders to discuss how the pantry is helping Sugar Grove residents and what the community can do to contribute to their efforts.

Between Friends Food Pantry of Sugar Grove started in 2008 as a family project. During Christmas break, the Taylor family of Sugar Grove launched a “Fill Your Doorstep” campaign, encouraging residents and businesses to place food donations on their doorsteps to help those struggling in the economic recession. The overwhelming response led to the creation of a permanent, community-driven pantry.

With support from Engineering Enterprises Inc. (EEI) and its founders Pete Wallers, Dave Burroughs, and Jim Michels, the pantry found a home. In February 2025, it moved into a larger facility at 143 S. Main St., Sugar Grove, IL 60554, allowing it to serve even more residents.

Today, Between Friends Food Pantry provides weekly grocery assistance, household supplies, and personal hygiene products to residents facing food insecurity in Sugar Grove and surrounding communities. They aim to break the barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help, fostering a safe space where every person feels valued and supported. Their mission is to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry while empowering people to remain self-sufficient during tough economic times.

The pantry currently has 210 families registered for assistance. Each week, it serves 30 to 50 families, with 98% of those receiving help living in Sugar Grove. It also provides deliveries to elderly and homebound residents, including those in senior housing. Children and seniors make up 75% of those served, highlighting the vital role the pantry plays in the community.

Between Friends Food Pantry operates almost entirely on volunteer support. The Executive Director and all other staff members are volunteers, with just one paid employee helping coordinate operations.

Addressing Food Insecurity & Expanding Awareness

During their meeting, Village officials and pantry leadership discussed strategies to raise residents’ awareness about the pantry as well as encourage them to feel comfortable using it when needed. Many families experience food insecurity but may hesitate to seek assistance due to stigma or simply not knowing it exists.

The reality is that many people are just one unexpected bill away from needing help. Every meal provided by the pantry allows a household to focus on paying rent, medical bills, and other essential expenses without worrying about food.

If you or someone you know could use assistance, you can register for help here: Register for Help.

How the Pantry Meets Demand

Between Friends Food Pantry of Sugar Grove relies on strong community partnerships and generous donations to meet local needs. Through the Direct Connect food rescue program—coordinated by the Northern Illinois Food Bank—the pantry receives fresh food donations from local Jewel-Osco and Aldi stores. Between Friends also benefits from food drives organized by local classrooms, scout troops, and other civic organizations that help keep shelves stocked throughout the year.

While specific offerings can vary, they typically provide the following types of items:

Canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, soups, and other shelf-stable foods.
Fresh produce
Dairy products
Proteins
Bread and bakery products
Hygiene and personal care items.
Low-sodium, gluten-free, or diabetic-friendly products when available.
Diapers and other items for young children.
Cleaning supplies and laundry detergent.

In addition to weekly food assistance, they also deliver to homebound seniors, produce emergency food boxes, prepare holiday meal boxes, and offer school supplies.

Ways to Support Between Friends Food Pantry of Sugar Grove

Residents and businesses can support Between Friends in several ways:

Donate. Every $1 donated provides $8 in food for local families.
Volunteer. Help stock shelves, assist visitors, or organize food drives. Sign up online: Volunteer Here.
Spread the Word. Let friends, neighbors, and coworkers know this resource is available.

If you or someone you know would like to support Between Friends Food Pantry of Sugar Grove, you can learn more here: Give Help.

Sugar Grove Food Pantry Between Friends

Location & Hours

143 S. Main St, Sugar Grove, IL 60554

Thursdays 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

The Village of Sugar Grove is proud to highlight organizations like Between Friends Food Pantry of Sugar Grove that are making a difference in our community. Please share this information if you know anyone in need or looking to help.

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