Construction at St. Joseph to Expand Reach of West40's Food Mart & Store
Updated: 4 hours ago
West40’s ability to serve the broader community with food and other essentials will receive a major boost thanks to renovation and upgrades at our St. Joseph campus in Westchester.
Construction is taking place inside St. Joseph to expand the existing Heart 2 Heart Food Mart. The food mart currently serves thousands of community members each year. The new space will allow West40 to stock more food and offer a wider variety of items in its partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Additionally, the Heart 2 Heart Store will relocate to the St. Joseph campus from its existing home at West40’s main office in Maywood. The store will now showcase a larger selection of clothing, shoes, and essentials for our families to choose from.
“This site isn't just about constructing new walls or expanding facilities—it’s about broadening our reach and eliminating barriers for those who need support most,” said West40 executive director Dr. Mark Klaisner.
Julio R. Giron, Sr. said he and his wife visit the Heart 2 Heart Food Mart in Westchester once a month. He recently wrote to West40 to share his appreciation and to thank the staff, as well as the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
“It has been a wonderful help to us and to so many people in our community. The food pantry has truly been a blessing to us. Heart 2 Heart Food Mart provides more than food—it gives people dignity, encouragement, and a sense that their community cares about them,” Giron said.
Crews installed a new freezer and refrigerator unit for the food mart on November 6.
In addition to the construction of the new spaces for Heart 2 Heart Food Mart and Heart 2 Heart Store, contractors will be working on multiple areas of the building, with significant progress expected on the new entrance, interior renovations, roofing, and electrical infrastructure.
During this phase, Food Mart guests will use the temporary entrance at Door 17E, allowing services to continue while construction progresses.
The construction project is currently anticipated to be completed by the end of January 2027.
Meanwhile, funding challenges have delayed the opening of the residential program at St. Joseph. West40 will be sure to provide an update as soon as one becomes available.
