Food access
We believe sustenance is a human right, and that no one should be forced to go hungry. SWC is an active member in the Chicagoland Food Sovereignty Coalition (CFSC) and we work to provide high-quality food to high-need areas...no questions asked. We are also a co-lead of the Healthy Southwest Coalition for Food Security, with our partners at SWOP, advocating for programs like SNAP to be more inclusive with its eligibility requirements. Below is a timeline detailing how we came into this work - read on to see how we're engaging the next generation.
At the onset of the pandemic in 2020, we found ourselves trying to help our neighbors secure groceries during sudden unemployment.
Meet our Public Health Ambassadors
Nat, Maria and Liz have been helping us source, rescue and redistribute food in our communities for YEARS. They are driven by their own experiences, and enjoy providing food to folks every week at a fridge or Community Box near you. They also work hard to amplify emerging needs for our seniors, folks with different abilities and needs, and anyone going through a crisis. We're eternally thankful for this incredible crew!
What is a Community Box?
It's a repurposed newspaper box, which is sturdy and weatherproof, so they make it easy to share shelf-stable emergency rations with those facing a critical and immediate need.
Host Criteria
Public Libraries
The Chicago Public Library Brighton Park and Clearing Branches each host a Community Box, and patrons enjoy sharing with one another.
Public Parks
Vittum Park has hosted a Community Box since 2021, and it was decorated by the summer campers.
Federally Qualified
Health Centers
Both UI Health and Alivio Medical Center host a Community Box and use it to share health related resources such as bottled water and masks.
WATCH HOW WE Nourish our neighbors
