CICERO – State Senator Javier Cervantes and Nicor Gas hosted a grocery and energy resource fair at Morton College on Thursday, giving over 250 residents the opportunity to learn about their energy rates, sign up for utility bill assistance and receive free groceries.
“We are here to help residents in need and make sure they have the opportunity to find resources that help them at home and save them time and money,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “I want to thank our partners from Nicor, CEDA, and other agencies who were here to help residents with their utility bills and facilitate a great event where we could give back to our community.”
Over 250 residents who registered for Thursday’s event at Morton College were able to collect grocery care boxes curated by TopBox. Attendees also connected with Nicor representatives to learn about energy efficiency programs, residential and income-eligible assistance, energy bill assistance programs, job openings and general energy and natural gas education.
In Illinois, nearly 1.5 million people live at or below the poverty level – more than 12% of the state’s population. Many of these families struggle to afford basic essentials, including heat in their homes in the winter, food, housing and medical assistance.
“It is amazing when we can come together in partnership with organizations and businesses that align with our community and help out those around us,” said Cervantes. “This was a team effort that would not have been possible without the help of everyone who came out to support the 1st District community.”
For more information on energy assistance resources, visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website or Nicor’s website. To stay updated on other events, residents are encouraged to visit Senator Cervantes’ website.
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