Greater Chicago Food Depository

Food is a basic human right. On #WorldFoodDay and all year long, the Food Depository is committed to ending hunger and its root causes. We do so by working in partnership with a network of community-based organizations and individuals. Together, we connect our neighbors with healthy food, lift our voices and advance solutions that address the root causes of hunger. If you or anyone you know needs food, our network of community partners is here to help. Visit https://lnkd.in/g-RgzCy to find your nearest food pantry.

During #NationalSchoolLunchWeek and all year long, the Food Depository is committed to ensuring that children and teens have the nutritious food they need to grow, learn and thrive. We do so by partnering with community organizations to offer nutritious meals and snacks for after-school programs, advocating for safety net programs that provide access to school meals and more. To learn more about these programs, visit https://bit.ly/402eqVV. #NSLW24

Today is Indigenous People’s Day. This observance honors both the present-day and historical contributions, cultures and perspectives of Indigenous peoples and their ancestors who lived on the land now known as North America. It is important to name and remember that the Chicago area we occupy is located on the ancestral lands of indigenous tribes, such as the Council of the Three Fires―comprised of the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations—as well as the Miami, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac, Fox, Kickapoo and Illinois Nations. Acknowledging the land we occupy is a first step in a long commitment that requires authentic relationship building, repair and action by, with and alongside Indigenous People. To learn more about Chicago history from Native perspectives, visit https://lnkd.in/gmknpjwT.

In honor of #NationalFarmersDay, the Food Depository would like to highlight the amazing work of our urban farm partners. Today, we’re recognizing Chicago Urban Farm Solutions, led by Farmer Deshawn Willingham. Last year, we began our partnership with Chicago Urban Farm Solutions with the goal of providing healthy, nutrient-rich, super-locally grown produce to our neighbors in need. We started off with receiving 840 cases of romaine, which is equivalent to 30,000 pounds! Since then, we’ve been able to partner extensively with them through the Illinois Equitable Access Towards Sustainable Systems (IL-EATS) program and have purchased over 30,000 more pounds of produce from them this season (over 60,000 pounds since we started working together). Thank you to Chicago Urban Farm Solutions and to all our partners for helping us #EndHungerNow!

Throughout Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, the Food Depository is highlighting the amazing work of our Hispanic and Latinx partners, volunteers and supporters. Today, we recognize Mario Mena, the designer and artist behind the Food Depository's mural. When the Food Depository commissioned Mario to create the mural for its building expansion, they gave him the theme "Chicago's Community Kitchen". With this in mind, he wanted to find a way to represent not only his experience of Chicago, but Chicago as a whole. He does this by incorporating symbols throughout the artwork that represent various aspects of the city. For example, the center of the design features a woman stirring a "melting pot," symbolizing Chicago's reputation as a melting pot of different cultures, languages and ethnicities. He also included the iconic Chicago skyline and images of bungalows, a building style common on the Southwest side of the city. We are grateful to Mario for his contributions and appreciate his work in creating the mural!

In honor of Hunger Action Month, the Food Depository received a joint $10,000 donation from Hyde Park Hospitality and Airport Dimensions. As part of their commitment to Chicago, the two companies wanted to deepen their community investment through both a gift and service. Thank you for supporting us and our mission to #EndHungerNow!

Throughout Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, the Food Depository is highlighting the amazing work of our Hispanic and Latinx partners, volunteers and supporters. Today, we recognize Pastor Elsie Rodriguez, one of the pantry coordinators at Grace and Peace Pantry. Every morning before the pantry opens for the day, Pastor Elsie takes time to greet the people in line. She has seen people from all walks of life come to the pantry, and wants to ensure that, no matter where they're from or what their situation is, they have a dignified pantry experience. She, along with other staff members, recently worked to expand their pantry due to high demand. With the new space, they are able to serve more neighbors, expand their distribution dates and offer an abundance of produce and non-perishable foods. To read more about Pastor Elsie and the Grace and Peace Pantry, visit https://bit.ly/3KrQmmD. #EndHungerNow

In 2020, the Food Depository began partnering with small farms in Cook County as a part of an initiative to support hyperlocal farming practices. We purchase produce from these partners, and the farms deliver produce directly to nearby pantries, giving more of our neighbors access to fresh, local food. The program has grown every year, and to date, we helped farms provide more than 100,000 pounds of fresh produce to pantries - providing local farmers a needed economic boost in the process. By investing in local farmers, we aim to bridge the wealth gap, increase food sovereignty (the right of people to control their food systems) and boost local economics. Supporting these farmers not only helps them gain financial stability but also empowers them to provide culturally relevant and nutritious food to their communities, addressing food insecurity in a more meaningful and sustainable way. To read more about our partnerships with Cook County farms, visit https://bit.ly/3TS2ja0. #EndHungerNow

Chicago Bears defense lineman Montez Sweat and Staley Da Bear teamed up with us this week to #EndHungerNow! NFL defensive players and Campbell's Chunky have partnered to donate 1,000 meals for every sack made across the league to neighbors in need nationwide. Thank you to Montez, the Chicago Bears and Campbell's Chunky for helping end food insecurity! #BearDown

The Greater Chicago Food Depository applauds the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to provide $1 billion in additional funding to support the emergency food system. Following a year of record need for food in our communities, and in the absence of more consistent funding under a Farm Bill, the commitment of resources announced Tuesday (October 1) come at a critical time. Read more: https://bit.ly/3N96ivp