Every person deserves access to nutritious food in a way that honors their dignity, respects their choices, and meets them where they are. From childhood through adulthood and older age, food can mean much more than a meal — and can even strengthen entire communities.
Nourishing Hope — a 2026 Make It Better Philanthropy Award winner — is working to build that future of food access across Chicago, where getting support feels welcoming, empowering, and centered on the individual. Food may be what brings someone through the doors of Nourishing Hope, but that is never the end of their story.
Through grocery-style Choice Markets, an online market, home delivery for older adults and people with disabilities, and integrated mental health and social services, the organization is helping to remove barriers and create pathways to greater stability.
Every interaction is designed to give neighbors not only the food they need today, but also the confidence, resources, and support to move forward tomorrow.
When parents can spend less time worrying about their next meal, older adults can remain independent, and individuals can access the support they need to build a brighter future, entire communities become stronger.
Food for today and hope for tomorrow does not mean simply responding to hunger, but helping to create conditions where hope can take root and people, families, and communities can thrive.
How to Help
Nourishing Hope provides food and mental health and social services to help Chicagoans thrive and build a city where all people have the resources needed for a dignified life.The organization delivers food with dignity and flexibility, offering multiple ways for people to access nutritious meals: two welcoming walk-in food pantries, an innovative online market, a home delivery program for home-bound or older adults, and a health and hope program, which connects clients to health care and nutrition support.
Donations to Nourishing Hope support neighbors and Chicagoans today, tomorrow, and for the future. Every investment provides food and social support to those who need it most.
