Introducing Safer Foods: Nourishing Communities & Fostering Well-being

Dear Safer Foundation Clients, Partners, and Supporters,

We are thrilled to introduce Safer Foods, a new initiative by Safer Foundation aimed at addressing food insecurity and fostering community well-being. After months of dedicated effort and collaboration
with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Safer Foods, a community pantry officially opened its doors on November 6, 2023, providing a warm and welcoming space for community members to access quality food and support.

Origin and Collaboration:

The journey of Safer Foods traces back to 2022, when our recruitment committee, recognizing the pressing food needs of the community and the families we serve, initiated a collaboration with the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Leveraging connections with a former Safer employee who now serves as the director of development at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, we embarked on a mission to bring this vision to life. Safer Foods proudly opened its doors in November 2023.

The Grocery Store Experience

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the dedicated volunteers from Safer Foundation’s Adult Transition Center, who collaborated to transform the interior of Safer Foods into a welcoming grocery store environment. While volunteering is not yet open to the public, we are eager to expand our team in the future.

Unlike traditional food pantries, Safer Foods is designed to resemble a grocery store, providing a dignified and empowering experience for community members. Visitors have the freedom to walk through the pantry and choose the items they need, promoting a sense of autonomy and reducing food waste.

         

Impactful Beginnings:

From the soft opening on November 6, 2023, Safer Foods has already made a significant impact, feeding 75 families on its first day of operation. The pantry offers a diverse range of quality food items, including protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, canned goods, and a variety of other food items.

Mission and Holistic Approach:

Safer Foods aligns with the broader mission of Safer Foundation by offering a holistic approach to community well-being. Beyond providing essential food items, visitors can access Safer Foundation’s comprehensive services, including employment placement, training and education, housing, reentry support, health, and wellness initiatives.

Future Plans:

Looking ahead, Safer Foods has ambitious plans to expand its reach to additional zip codes within the community. We also aim to forge partnerships with other grocery stores to provide toiletries, addressing the broader needs of individuals seeking support.

Join Us:

For those interested or who know someone in need, Safer Foods operates on Mondays (3pm-5pm), Tuesdays (11am-1pm), and Wednesdays (12pm-2pm) at our community office located at 808 S. Kedzie Chicago, IL 60612. Community members from zip codes 60612 and 60624, are welcome to visit twice per month during these hours.

Safer Foods is more than a pantry; it’s a community-driven initiative committed to nourishing bodies and souls, fostering resilience, and creating positive change. Together, we can make a lasting impact on food insecurity and well-being in our community.

Thank you for your continued support.

For questions, please reach out to Roxann Brown at [email protected]