Project Concern – Serving Cudahy and St. Francis
In 1968, a group of caring people recognized that bad things can happen to good people and that some of their fellow community members needed help, so they started a food pantry. The pantry was named Project Concern of Cudahy-St. Francis. The St. Frederick’s Catholic Church (currently named Nativity of the Lord) gave the group permission to house the food pantry in a small room in the lower level of the church. Soon the pantry grew and included the distribution of clothes and household items.
Community interest grew and a number of the local parishes (Cudahy United Methodist, Holy Family Catholic, Nativity of the Lord Catholic, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic, St. John Ev. Lutheran, and St. Mark’s Ev. Lutheran) joined together to help support the fledgling endeavor. With the continued support of the sponsoring parishes as well as a growing number of individuals, community groups and local businesses over the years, Project Concern has developed and changed to meet its mission to lend supportive services to families and individuals in need. See the Programs page.
In addition to providing food, clothing, furniture and household items to over 500 families a month, Project works with different agencies and organizations to provide outreach for clients that qualify for any number of the social services programs that are available. See our links page and our Facebook page for more links.
Project Concern had partnered with Interfaith Older Adult Programs to provide part-time staff support and management. In 2010 the formal partnership was dissolved, giving the food pantry flexibility in hiring and personnel practices. In 2011, Project Concern and Cudahy-St. Francis Interfaith Program for the Elderly (CSFI) merged their offices and supervision. Each program continues to maintain its own identity while improving efficiencies through collaboration.
In 2018 Project Concern became a MyPlate food pantry as designated by Hunger Task Force, our main supplier of food. This means that the pantry follows the USDA model for healthy eating, by providing to our patrons more fresh produce, dairy items, and lean protein. The pantry also celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018. We hold two open houses and partnered with Lakeside Pub and Grill on a September family friendly fundraising event.
Project Concern is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a charitable organization, so all contributions are tax deductible. Project Concern recognizes the importance of the many churches, schools, organizations, businesses, foundations, and individuals that allow this organization to meet its mission of supporting people in need.