(Pictured: Nourishing Hope volunteer Cristina Booker.)
At Nourishing Hope, getting food into the hands and onto the tables of our neighbors isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. People are often surprised to learn that we offer options beyond picking up groceries at one of our food pantries. Our neighbors can also order online for pickup at an Online Market partner site OR receive their groceries directly at their door through our Home Delivery program.
Each of these food support programs plays a vital role in our mission. Together, they create a more accessible system — meeting people where they are, treating them with dignity, and breaking down barriers to accessing essentials like fresh and healthy groceries.
None of this would be possible without our incredible community of more than 7,000 volunteers. Today, we’re proud to spotlight one of them. Meet Cristina Booker, a dedicated Home Delivery driver who has been volunteering with Nourishing Hope since 2022.
Cristina shared what inspires her to volunteer, and why she continues to give her time so generously over the years:
I began volunteering for Nourishing Hope in 2022 after learning about the amazing work to improve food security during the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve mainly supported home deliveries in the South and West Side communities.
Meeting people served by Nourishing Hope has shown me how essential and appreciated these services are – especially when delivering food in winter to older adults and persons with disabilities.
Having been a program evaluator in my career and having lived in smaller cities, I have a deep appreciation of what it takes to serve such a large city consistently and with dignity. I’m proud to volunteer for an organization that truly meets people where they are and is breaking barriers to mental health care.
Nourishing Hope’s staff makes volunteer work meaningful, too! Whether I’m packing food, making home deliveries, supporting market intakes, or helping a fundraiser, every minute spent supporting Nourishing Hope is a great use of my time.
This spring, I’m looking forward to volunteer opportunities, such as the Spanish 101 class, and utilizing my bilingual skills at El Mercadito.
Volunteers like Cristina are the heartbeat of our work. Their passion, time, and commitment make it possible for us to offer more personalized and accessible services across Chicago. Thank you, Cristina, for your amazing support and dedication! We appreciate you so much!
Interested in volunteering with Nourishing Hope? Whether you want to drive home deliveries, help at one of our pantries, or lend your skills behind the scenes, there’s a role for you.
Simply click here to register for your first volunteer shift, or sign up for your next one (available at multiple locations, 6 days a week).