Even with secure housing, many residents are concerned about affording nutritious food due to the escalating cost of groceries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, grocery prices have risen 29% since February 2020, which disproportionately impacts those on fixed or low incomes.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Little Company of Mary Sisters, USA, Mercy Housing Lakefront is partnering with Top Box Foods and UIC Cooking Matters to address food insecurity across our permanent supportive housing communities in Chicago.

Meal kits and cooking classes

Earlier this year, Top Box Foods delivered weekly, nutritious meal kits to residents at the Belray, Schiff, Holland, and Wentworth Apartments for eight weeks. By combining meal kits with onsite nutrition and cooking classes, UIC Cooking Matters provided residents with the tools to eat well and cook confidently.

Top Box Foods extended its partnership for an additional two months, offering meal kits for up to 12 residents at 12 Mercy Housing Lakefront permanent supportive housing communities, in addition to providing emergency vouchers for residents in need. In August alone, Top Box Foods provided 4,014 lbs. of food that benefited 188 households.

We are grateful for this generous grant and our community partners in helping residents access food and increase their knowledge of healthy cooking.