Ending hunger by connecting the four corners of our community...
A community comes together
Our shelves were full this Thanksgiving, because the hearts of a community were full…
An unexpected challenge…
As we enter the holiday season, federal funding cuts to food banks, SNAP, and the government shutdown all send a shockwave of need our way.
Our food pantry and community are rising to meet the challenge. Here’s how…
Setting the table for change…
For many of us, putting food on the table means we are providing for others, caring for ourselves and for our families. It means we have enough money to pay for our food and for other essential needs.
But what happens if we can’t afford this most basic of human needs?
What does “putting food on the table” mean to you?
Hunger hurts learning and our community's future…
Every child should be able to learn and dream without worrying about where their next meal will come from. Yet in Cook County, 18% of children face food insecurity…
What business are we in?
Like many food pantries in America, we have become efficient at "food distribution"...
But it is during these uncertain times, when federally-funded food distribution is being cut, when we remind ourselves of the business our food pantry is actually in...
"Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life.”
— Nelson Mandela
What is “food injustice”?
And what can a food pantry do about it?
There are over 60,000 food pantries in the United States. Many of them started out decades ago to help end hunger in their communities. Yet hunger persists. Why is that?
Students care about their neighbors in need.
At a time of uncertainty in the realms of education and civic policy, our students seem certain about one thing…
This is our food pantry’s 10th year.
Our first year we provided food to 860 neighbors in need. Last year, we served 4,937 neighbors in need. By the end of this, our 10th year, that number will no doubt be even higher. And here’s the thing about that...
That tells us we need to do better.
Gaming the system?
You be the judge…
Life can happen in unfortunate ways. And when it does, few of us are eager to ask for a hand up. Let alone, a handout.
Waiting in line for food can be stigmatizing enough. Yet, there are those who would stand in judgement of our neighbors in need. Here is what some of our volunteers here at the pantry have to say about that...
If only we could snap our fingers…
The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is a proven way to address hunger. But here's what we've learned about food injustice in our area...
What is our community’s north star?
Over 7,000 people are living below the poverty line in our pantry’s assigned region. The reasons for this are many. But stigmatization and systemic injustice are major factors.
Our neighbors in need have much to teach us about feeling stigmatized in your own community…
What’s in a word?
When we started our food pantry, we referred to the people we served as our “clients”.
But then we asked ourselves a crucial question…
Hunger is a local problem.
So we’re taking a localized approach. Starting with the insight that too many of our neighbors in need do not know what help is available to them…
What is “client choice”?
Most food pantries in the U.S. pre-bag or pre-box the food they distribute. Our pantry takes a different approach.
We offer neighbors in need a choice. Here’s why…
