Nourishing Hope Releases Strategic Plan to Expand Services, Increasing Access for Working Families.
Nourishing Hope has recently unveiled a new five-year strategic plan which centers on an ambitious expansion of services to increase access to food and social services for working families on the north and northwest sides of Chicago. Click here for more details!
For almost 50 years, Nourishing Hope has served as an invaluable resource to low-income Chicagoans, ensuring they have enough to eat and access to critical, and sometimes lifesaving, social services. Unfortunately, food insecurity continues to afflict 1 in 9 residents on the North Side. Nourishing Hope is operating at capacity, but research shows current service levels are only scratching the surface of the hunger need, especially for working families. The Strategic Plan was born out of an urgent need to determine how to best serve hungry neighbors in our community.
“Through a pro-bono partnership with BCG Consulting, and extensive planning involving staff, board, volunteers, partners, and community members, we are thrilled to unveil this plan to guide our efforts over the next five years,” said Kellie O’Connell, CEO of Nourishing Hope. “The Plan identities three major goals – to expand, engage, and empower. Through these guiding principles, Nourishing Hope is poised to successfully transition our programing into the next generation of hunger relief.”
The Pantry is on track to serve 8,000 clients this year, who have visited approximately 40,000 times. Last year, Nourishing Hope distributed 1.4 million meals to residents on the North Side. With the expansion of services, the Pantry expects to see a significant increase in clients and services rendered. Highlights of the new plan include the leasing of a 10,000 sq ft. warehouse which will act as the central hub of food acquisition. Up to five satellite sites, or spokes, will be located throughout the north and northwest areas of Chicago. In addition, a first-of-its-kind online food market will launch in 2019, enabling clients to order groceries via the Pantry’s website and pick them up at their convenience.
“While our services will grow in size, efficiency, and resourcefulness, we are anchored in the core values that Nourishing Hope was founded upon,” said Dan Laytin, Board President of Nourishing Hope. “We are committed to bringing hope and dignity to the most vulnerable residents in our community, with a vision of a hunger-free Chicago.” .
On behalf of our board, clients, staff and volunteers, a heartfelt thank you for your continued commitment to Nourishing Hope!