PUTTING HEALTH ON THE PANTRY SHELF
Meals on Wheels Chicago is now helping more seniors find nutrition at Nourish Chicago Pantry! This program improves seniors’ quality of life and health by providing access to quality grocery items, including over 70% fresh produce, proteins, pantry, and wellness essentials. These are not leftovers or donated items we find in the back of our pantry shelves. Instead, each of the 40-50 items available at every event is ordered fresh just for Nourish Chicago Pantry guests.
NEW! Meals on Wheels Chicago is happy to announce the expansion of Nourish Chicago Pantry to now include Pop Up Produce Markets at area senior centers. Fresh food is greatly lacking in the community and is rarely offered on a consistent basis to seniors living at or below the poverty level. These new events aim to address this need and feature the same high-quality items available at the regular Nourish Chicago Pantry, supplemented with produce provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. Check the list below for a Pop Up Market near you!
Upcoming Nourish Chicago Pantry Days
Central West Senior Center, 2102 W Ogden Ave
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Tuesday, March 28
Tuesday, April 18
Tuesday, May 23
Tuesday, June 27
Tuesday, July 25
Upcoming Pop-Up Produce Markets
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Central West Ogden Senior Center, 2102 W Ogden Avenue
April 5, May 3, June 7, July 12, August 2
Northeast Levy Senior Center, 2019 W Lawrence Avenue
March 28, April 25, May 23, June 27, July 25, August 22
Northwest Copernicus Senior Center, 3160 N Milwaukee Avenue
March 13, April 17, May 15, June 20, July 17, August 21
Southeast Atlas Senior Center, 1767 E 79th Street
March 23, April 20, May 18, June 22, July 20, August 17
 Southwest Senior Center, 6117 S Kedzie Avenue
April 7, May 5, June 2, July 7, August 4
The cost of food and limited transportation to full-stock grocery stores can limit a senior’s access to fresh produce and necessary items. Seniors living on a fixed income are often forced to choose between food, medicine, and the cost of housing. With the added pressure of inflation, food costs rising sharply, and the recent end of COVID-19 emergency SNAP benefits, many seniors in our community are making difficult financial decisions and forgoing trips to the grocery store. Nourish Chicago Pantry provides relief, increasing access to fresh, nutrient-rich foods, making life a little easier for seniors in our community.
This model fosters dignity and provides a wide variety of choices that allows for autonomy as seniors select the food they enjoy while reducing food waste. The pantry stocks a variety of foods, with a focus on fresh produce, proteins, and shelf-stable items that follow monthly recipes or ethnic themes.
Nourish Chicago Pantry relies on the generosity of our corporate and individual donors and volunteers. If you or your company is interested in supporting the pantry, please donate here or contact Emma Webb to discuss other opportunities.
Overheard at The Pantry
Here’s what seniors have told us at our pantry.
Pet Program
The Nourish Chicago Pantry also offers animal wellness packs for cats and dogs that include a supply of food, preventative medicine, and toys to help take care of the pets that are taking care of their senior owners. Items rotate monthly depending on availability, but the food is always included to provide a reliable source of pet food for senior owners.
Dog Pack
Pets like Bello provide seniors companionship, routine, and joy!
