I Am Your Neighbor: Voices from a Chicago Food Pantry

"I am Your Neighbor" is a story of community. It is a collection of stories from 21 people on Chicago's North Side who are clients of the Common Pantry, a non-profit organization that provides emergency groceries and other services to qualifying individuals and families. 100% of all proceeds from book sales will be donated to the Common Pantry to continue their mission of food distribution and expanded services during their Wednesday afternoon "Common Community".

The authors of "I am Your Neighbor" have captured the wonderfully moving stories of some of their neighbors and allow their own words to bring to life the root causes of hunger and economic distress in a way that statistics cannot. Our nation's food pantries and their teams of volunteers provide a great service and work hard each day. However, one of the first steps to alleviating the problem of food insecurity is recognizing that clients are not anonymous strangers, but our neighbors who deserve our compassion and understanding. "I am Your Neighbor" allows each of us to take that first step.

"I am Your Neighbor" was inspired by the lives of those people who come to the Common Pantry to be fed -- groceries, hot meals, friendship, direction and community. The book was also inspired by those neighbors who at times do not have a complete understanding of who these people are and what circumstances have combined to bring them to the doors of the Common Pantry. The people whose words fill the chapters of the book were thrilled to have the opportunity to tell their stories and we hope that all who read "I am Your Neighbor" will have a better understanding of what it means to be a neighbor in need and how they can help their neighbor.