At the Greater Chicago Food Depository, nutrition is central to our mission of ending hunger and improving the overall health of our community. Every day, we distribute fresh produce, pantry staples and other nutritious foods to our partner network, ensuring that neighbors across Cook County have access to the nourishment they need.
We also prepare homemade meals in-house for distribution to partner sites, providing convenient, balanced options for neighbors facing barriers to cooking and for those with specific health needs. Additionally, we support older adults through the federal Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), delivering monthly food boxes designed to meet their nutritional needs.
A guest at Chicago Hope food pantry receives her senior food box, curated by the Food Depository's nutrition team.
Beyond these programs, we educate the community about nutrition and equip our partner organizations with resources to help neighbors make informed dietary choices. Through these efforts, we aim to not only provide food but also empower people to lead healthier lives.
We spoke with Elizabeth Deavilla, the Food Depository’s registered dietitian nutritionist, about how her work supports the Food Depository’s mission to nourish and empower our neighbors.
How do you support the health of our neighbors in your role at the Food Depository?
As a registered dietitian nutritionist, my job is to ensure that the nutritional needs of the neighbors we serve are met. I oversee things like meal planning, senior grocery box creation and recipe development, ensuring that everything is balanced and includes nutrients like fiber and servings of vegetables.
Nutritionist Elizabeth Deavilla is passionate about using nutrition to combat hunger.
In addition to these responsibilities, I’m involved in community outreach, visiting our partner pantries and speaking at community events to provide nutrition education.
What do you see as the biggest nutritional challenges for the neighbors we serve?
Access to nutritious food is a significant barrier. Many of our neighbors live in food deserts or face financial constraints, making it difficult to eat healthily. Even if people want to make better choices, they often can’t access the foods they need.
How is the Food Depository responding?
We’re addressing these challenges not just by providing food but also by offering nutrition education. We provide a variety of digital and print resources that pantries can share with guests, and I am in constant communication with our partner organizations to offer extra support. It’s about giving people the tools they need to make healthier choices, even when access to healthy food is limited. I also try to help people connect the dots between nutrition and healthcare.
The Food Depository's kitchen staff works hard to ensure that guests receive healthy, delicious food.
When people ask me how to manage specific health conditions like diabetes, I can offer high-level tips, but access to healthcare is just as crucial. I see myself as a bridge between nutrition education and healthcare resources.
What is the biggest misconception about dietitians?
When people hear “dietitian,” they often assume I’m the food police – but that’s not my approach at all! My goal is to help people make small, sustainable changes using the foods they already eat and have access to. I aim to provide practical solutions that support healthier choices and combat chronic diseases. Nutrition isn’t a one-size-fits-all science; each individual has unique needs and challenges.
How did you get started in this field of work?
I started out studying nursing, but I realized that my true interest was in nutrition. A mentor encouraged me to pursue a nutrition program, and that’s when I made the switch. Over time, I realized that my passion extended beyond clinical work, which led me to earn an MBA and now I’m finishing my PhD in human performance with a focus on diet adequacy.
Fresh produce at New Hope Bible Church food pantry (Photo by Nancy Stone for the Greater Chicago Food Depository).
I believe that shaping nutrition programs and policies can have a broader impact, especially when it comes to community health. The research I’m doing for my PhD helps me guide the Food Depository’s initiatives with practical, evidence-based solutions.
Do you have any goals for the Food Depository’s nutrition program?
I want to grow our nutrition program to better serve the community. My goal is to build a team of nutritionists who can provide even more personalized support to our neighbors. I also want to gather evidence that shows our work is improving people’s health – not just feeding them but contributing to their overall well-being.
Our goal is to prove that nutrition isn’t just about eating healthy food, it’s about creating healthier communities. By strengthening our nutrition initiatives, we can better meet the needs of those we serve and improve long-term health outcomes.
A pantry guest receives fresh produce at Hattie B. Williams Food Pantry (Photo by Abel Uribe for the Greater Chicago Food Depository).
What keeps you motivated in this work?
In my work, I’ve always been community-focused, and I believe that nutrition plays a key role in improving people’s overall lives. Knowing that I can help make a real difference, whether by shaping programs, providing education or simply making nutritious food more accessible, keeps me going every day.
Visit our nutrition page for more tips, healthy recipes and resources.
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