Spanning 70-plus Chicago neighborhoods, over 500,000 residents are facing hunger and food insecurity. In a post-pandemic world, residents are struggling with enough as more than 18% of Chicago residents live in poverty. Hunger and a lack of accessible food should not be something people have to face daily, which is why we have partnered with Dion’s Chicago Dream. Dion’s Chicago Dream began with the hope of spreading financial, physical, and emotional stability to Chicagoans by combating food insecurity and addressing a lack of fresh food across the city. Dream deliveries are one aspect of Dion’s Chicago Dream, which delivers fresh produce straight to the doorstep of Chicago residents. The organization also keeps waste in mind by sending packaged pre-measured fruits and vegetables to households that last up to 5 days. Dream Deliveries has provided residents with over 170,000 lbs of fresh produce every week. Dream Fridge is the second aspect of Dion’s Chicago Dream, with a goal to provide for communities with food desert status, poverty rates, and a lack of fresh grocery options. Dream Fridge is a community fridge available Monday-Friday from 9 am-4 pm, containing fresh fruits, vegetables, and water for those stopping by. Dream Fridge has also provided over 35,550 lbs of fresh food and water to residents since it began.
SNIPES is partnering with Dion’s Chicago Dream for a 3-month pilot program that will combat food insecurity in 24 Chicago neighborhoods. We will drive around on our weekly route feeding 10,010 residents per week. This initiative is crucial for communities as many residents will be battling the harsher conditions as winter approaches. SNIPES is honored to be a part of this program to bring some warmth and comfort to people’s doorsteps. If you want to stay up to date on this journey, follow us on our Instagram as we will have more information to come. Read up on our blog posts, and download the mobile app to stay in the know on everything SNIPES.
Written by Rachael Bernier
