In a generous round of philanthropy, food-delivery giant Grubhub has dished out microgrants to 64 Chicago-area nonprofits. This initiative is part of the company's Full Plate Program, aimed at fighting food scarcity in the region. Each nonprofit nabbed up to $10,000, a sum that's part of nearly $650,000 recommended for grants via the Grubhub Community Fund, as reported by the company's news release.
Grubhub's Full Plate Program backs community organizations that help people facing food insecurity get their hands on wholesome meals. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the demand for such services has shot up, with low food access in the city rising a staggering 63% over the past decade. This escalation, has, in part, been fueled by the closure of grocery stores on Chicago's South and West sides, reducing residents' options for fresh and affordable food.
Brianna Morris, Grubhub's Senior Manager of Community Impact underlined the company's commitment, "Addressing food insecurity has always been a top priority for us," she asserted in a statement obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times. Good Food is Good Medicine, a notable recipient, aims to churn out 20,000 meals for the community in 2024, using the grant to offset ingredient and staffing costs. "Our meals utilize local produce grown by BIPOC urban farmers and incorporate expert nutrition and flavor guidance from chefs, doctors, and registered dietitians," Director Jeannine Wise explained in the company's news release.
Another grantee, Just Roots, will use their funding to amplify their urban farming output. The group provides fresh produce to the community, including food pantries and housing facilities. Sean Ruane, who manages operations and development for Just Roots, elaborated, "This will strengthen our ability to grow food for those partners and get it to the folks in most need," according to the Sun-Times.
The Full Plate Program works in concert with the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Nourishing Hope to administer the funds, seeking to impact a plethora of areas including Austin, Back of the Yards, Englewood, and Garfield Park. It also reaches counties like Cook, DuPage, and Lake. The Glen Ellyn Food Pantry, another beneficiary, plans to secure a six-month stock of dairy products with their grant slice. "Dairy products, like milk and eggs, which are an extraordinary source of nutrients that contribute to a healthy diet – but have become increasingly expensive," Laura Glaza, the executive director of the pantry, remarked in the Grubhub statement.
For a comprehensive list of the organizations bolstered by Grubhub's Full Plate generosity, take a peek here. These grants underscore Grubhub's pledge to nourish its hometown by backing entities that stretch out a helping hand to those in need of a decent meal.
