Welcome to the Englewood Food Network!

Englewood Food Pantry from englewood food network on Vimeo.

“The mission of the Englewood Food Network is to serve the community by feeding the hungry and providing programs and services designed to promote healthy living.” -Rev. Samuel L. Douglas, President of the Englewood Food Network

In 1995, a small group of dedicated members of the community decided to respond to the hungry cries of their neighbors. This small group opened the doors of several food pantries in the Englewood community and those doors have been opened every since. In 2001, with the support of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the Englewood Food Network was organized and incorporated. Today the Englewood Food Network is a strong alliance of emergency food distribution centers serving the Englewood and West Englewood community. This alliance now consist of thirty-two food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters in the Englewood community.

The Englewood Food Network works dilligently to fulfill its mission, "feed the hungry while providing programs designed to promote healthy living". Determined to research, design and implement programs dedicated to combating the dangerous living conditions plaguing the Englewood community.   

The Englewood Food Network began to impact the community in such a way, other were compelled to join the fight! Kraft Foods Inc.donated $30,000. for the purchase of a new delivery truck. Helping the Englewood Food Network launch the Food Delivery Program. The Food Delivery Program delivers food from the Greater Chicago Food Depository to the various Food Pantries/Soup Kitchens and Shelters in the Englewood community, saving our partners thousands of dollars each year. The Kraft Foods Family continue to support the Englewood Food Network in all its endeavors.

Over the years, we have been blessed to encounter such generosity from people who share our passion to feed our community. The Vice President of Marquette Bank Mr. Tom Banford has given several personal donations. The city of Chicago, with the support of Alderman Shirley A. Coleman (16), Alderman Arenda Troutman (20), Alderman Latasha R. Thomas (17) and Alderman Theodore Thomas (15), made a donation to assist in paying our truck drivers.

 The Englewood Food Network has also received support through various grants, including the CDBG grant and the Jewel- Osco Food Inc.Hunger Relief grant. Several partnerships has brought on invaluable opportunities for the Englewood Food Network. The Consortium for Lowering Obesity in Chicago Children has supported several of our initiatives over the years. Not only did the the Goodman Foundation fund the consultation for the strategic planning of the Englewood Food Network, this foundation also funded the salary support of the Project Coordinator/Goodman Local Hunger Fellow. The Chicago Community Trust has graciously supported the salary of the Executive Director. 

Although, the Englewood Food Network has made incomparable steps to feed the community, their  job is not over! In 2011, the Englewood Food Network will continue to launch new and innovative programs to end hunger and promote healthy living. The Englewood Food Network has been bleesed to gain the trust and respect of the helping community. We will continue to move forward, growing stronger each day.