Chicago – This September, in honor of Hunger Action Month, the Greater Chicago Food Depository is partnering with some of Chicago’s favorite restaurants to take hunger off the menu. Through the Food Depository’s annual “86 HUNGER” campaign, 43 participating restaurants are donating a portion of sales from one featured dish all month long to help provide meals to support neighbors facing food insecurity.
Across Chicago and Cook County, 1 in 5 households with children are at risk of food insecurity, forcing many families to make difficult choices between paying for food, housing, and other essentials. Rising costs and stretching already-tight budgets mean that too many of our neighbors struggle to put nutritious meals on the table.
When diners order the designated “86 HUNGER” dish, a minimum of $1 from each item purchased will be donated directly to the Food Depository. Every contribution helps ensure families, children, and older adults across Cook County have access to nutritious food.
Participating restaurants include: Lettuce Entertain You, Urbanbelly, DineAmic Hospitality, FireLake Grill House, Lexington Betty, TenGoku, The Fat Shallot, About Last Knife, Coda Di Volpe, Tilly Bagel, and Beautiful Rind.
“As a chef and small business owner, I believe food brings people together and lifts up our community,” said Dominique Leach, owner of Lexington Betty Smokehouse.
“Food has the power to nourish and connect us, and that’s why Lexington Betty is proud to be part of the 86 HUNGER campaign as its first South Side partner. By serving a dish we love, we can also serve our neighbors who need it most.”
Leach is also the winner of Food Network’s BBQ Brawl Season 4, a national recognition that has further elevated her role as one of Chicago’s leading pitmasters. Her partnership with the Food Depository brings additional visibility to the movement to end hunger and underscores the importance of restaurants stepping up for their communities.
Funds raised through 86 HUNGER will help the Food Depository provide fresh produce, shelf-stable groceries, and prepared meals to a network of more than 850 partners, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters across Chicago and Cook County. These community partners play a vital role in ensuring that children, families, and older adults have consistent access to the nutritious food they need.
“The Food Depository and its partners are working to ensure that everyone in our community has access to healthy, nourishing food,” said Rodolfo Godinez, organizer of 86 HUNGER at the Food Depository.
“Campaigns like 86 HUNGER demonstrate the power of local businesses and residents coming together to create meaningful change.”
To learn more about this year’s 86 HUNGER campaign and for a list of the participating restaurants and their featured dishes, visit chicagosfoodbank.org/86Hunger.
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