Mission & Story
Who We Are
Our Mission:
Nourishing hope through food, mental health and social services so that all of our neighbors can thrive.
Our Vision:
A city where all people have the resources needed for a dignified life.
Food For Today. Hope For Tomorrow.
At Nourishing Hope, we believe that access to food is the first step toward lasting stability. Our approach has always been to provide integrated support with dignity, respect and compassion.
Sustainable Growth
Our strong financial foundation, logistical expertise and trusted reputation in the community position us for sustainable, long-term growth – ensuring we can meet rising needs today and for years to come.
Food That Meets People Where They Are
We deliver 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 our health and hope program, which connects clients to healthcare and nutrition support.
Stability, Support and Healing
We go beyond food to support people find stability and strength. Our social services include assistance with employment, housing and utilities – alongside free, trauma-informed mental health counseling offered in multiple languages.
Guided By Values
Nourishing Hope envisions a city where all people, regardless of any aspect of their identity, have the resources for a dignified life. This is a journey without end. We vow to keep learning.
Dignity
We treat all people with respect – no exceptions.
Equity
We work to ensure everyone has equitable access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Accountability
We say what we mean, and we do what we say.
Community
We meet each other with curiosity. And care for each other with humility.
Sustainability
We support our people and strengthen our organization to move our mission forward.
Joy
We keep gratitude, laughter, and celebration at the center of everything we do.
A Journey of Purpose
In 1970, three determined women — Jo Bolger, Kate Marshall, and Barbara Langer-Tchaou — started a grassroots effort to fight hunger in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. What began as The People’s Pantry of Lakeview, collecting food from local faith communities and grocery stores, served just under 100 people in its first year.
Today, that small act of compassion has grown into Nourishing Hope — one of Chicago’s largest and most innovative hunger relief organizations. With over 60 staff members, 7,000+ volunteers and programs reaching communities across the city, we provide fresh food, home deliveries, online ordering and vital social services, including mental health counseling, job support and housing assistance.
The spirit of community that inspired our founders still drives us today. As the needs of our city evolve, we continue to adapt — with a steadfast vision of a Chicago where everyone has the resources needed for a dignified life.
- 1970
1970 –
1970
Originally incorporated as The People’s Pantry of Lakeview, clients then received a 2½-day food supply. Today, they receive about 14 days’ worth.
- 1980
1980 –
1980
As a founding member of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Lakeview Pantry helped launch a partnership that continues today. GCFD now provides more than half of the food Nourishing Hope distributes each year.
- 1992
1992 –
1992
Lakeview Pantry becomes a multi-staff organization, hiring Christina Whitehead as the Assistant Director. Christina will remain on staff until 2007 and is credited with professionalizing our development efforts.