Doing Good in the Neighborhood: Chicagoans Giving Back
FEED Chicago
It’s been a tough year for many people, all in different ways, and those difficulties haven’t left the food world unaffected. In fact, the hospitality industry worldwide has faced many challenges, and we have seen the effects of those challenges right here in Chicago. But despite those difficulties, the food family here has not been broken or beaten. Chefs, bartenders, restaurateurs, servers and more have come together over and over to help each other and the Chicago community at large. But they can use all the back-up they can get from each and every one of you! If you want to give back and make a difference in our hometown, here are a few ways to support the Chicago food world…
FEED Chicago: Feed Chicago has partnered with restaurants across the city like Goddess and Grocer, Epic Burger and more to deliver meals to those who need it most during this difficult time ❤️ One of their partners, the Boka Restaurant Group, has already delivered nearly 6,000 meals to food insecure communities and essential workers since the beginning of May. And that’s just one of the groups FEED Chicago partners with! Help them continue to make a difference by donating to their cause. Every $100 that is pledged is enough to supply over 12 meals and restore workforce to those hit hardest in the restaurant industry.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago {646 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago; 312.283.7100}: Though the brand is known worldwide, the Starbucks Reserve Roastery’s Chicago team has worked hard to become a part of our city. Whether that means volunteering to clean and beautify Chicago Public Schools or giving ongoing support to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the team is doing all it can to build Chicago up. That giving spirit became more important during the pandemic, when Starbucks jumped in to help: making necessity kits to share with people experiencing homelessness, securing surgical masks for workers on the frontline, and sharing over 2,000 pounds of coffee with community hospitals, first responders and food pantries.
Big Star {1531 North Damen Avenue, Chicago; 773.235.4039}: The Save Chicago’s Taquerias! series at Big Star Wicker Park is showcasing local family-owned taquerias by highlighting one of their popular menu items each week. The proceeds from these classic dishes will benefit those beloved small businesses, including Xocome Antojeria, the Flo's Kitchen food truck, and more when they need it most. Chef de Cuisine Chris Miller and the Big Star team will be continually changing up their offerings, so keep up to date with them on social media to learn what’s coming next.
Taste of Hope 2020: The American Cancer Society’s 7th annual Taste of Hope event will bring award-winning chefs and Chicago’s foodies together to celebrate the ACS’s progress in the fight against cancer. Their work has prevented 2.1 million cancer deaths since 1991 and continues to promote healthy lifestyles, including eating right and staying active. The Chicago food world comes together every year to support the amazing work of The American Cancer Society, and this coming November will be no exception. Check out their website for how you can get involved!
The Peninsula Chicago {108 East Superior Street, Chicago; 312.337.2888}: The Peninsula Chicago is giving back to the community, and you can help them out! For each dinner purchased in their Shanghai Terrace restaurant (or a lunch in The Lobby), the hotel will donate a meal to The Greater Chicago Food Depository. This will continue through the end of the year, so you have plenty of time to make a difference.
Green City Market: One of our Dine-It-4ward charitable partners, Green City Market continually supports small family farmers, educates consumers and the next generation of eaters, and increases access to local, healthy, sustainable food. This is especially important during years like this one, where we need to come together as a city to support the small businesses that make Chicago the amazing food destination that it is. They have ongoing virtual events, plus live seasonal markets in Lincoln Park and the West Loop, giving you a variety of ways to get involved in their cause.
Smack Dab Chicago {6730 North Clark Street, Chicago; 872.241.9111}: This team takes giving back to their neighborhood and city seriously! Since their opening in 2015, they have given over $25,000 in monetary donations and in-kind donations to a variety of organizations. They focus on specific key areas of giving: they support queer/trans/POC/women populations’ organizations, work with local organizations in the community, and also support sustainable, responsible food production and hunger reduction initiatives. They’ll never stop working to do good!
Black People Eats: This summer has drawn much-needed and much-deserved attention to Black-owned businesses across the country, and in Chicago as well. Black People Eats is making it easy for Chicagoans to find restaurants like 5 Loaves Eatery, AndySunflower Café, Batter & Berries, and plenty of other amazing Black-owned and operated restaurants, bars and cafes across the city. You might just find a new favorite spot!
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor