CHICAGO, IL – Center on Halsted is excited to announce the launch of its Online Market at the Center on Cottage Grove (COCG) location, a convenient monthly food distribution initiative aimed at supporting our community. In partnership with Nourishing Hope and The HUB, (a collaboration between the AIDS Foundation Chicago and Center on Halsted) the program will provide up to 50 Chicago households with free groceries every month, starting on November 20 from 3-5 p.m.
This new service offers participants the convenience of ordering food online for pickup. Orders can be placed on the third Monday of each month, with pick-up scheduled for the following Wednesday. The Online Market is designed to make it easier for people living in food-insecure neighborhoods, including areas considered food deserts, to access pantry staples. Clients can also take advantage of HUB social services when they pick up their food.
“We are committed to ensuring that everyone in our community, regardless of background or circumstances, has access to nutritious food, especially at a time when food costs are rising,” said Jasmine Mikell, Director, HUB/Hotline Resources, at Center on Halsted. “This program gives people the ability to personalize their grocery orders based on their family’s specific needs, providing a sense of control when so many things are uncertain.”
The Online Market is part of a broader partnership with Nourishing Hope (formerly Lakeview Pantry), which operates an innovative “Instacart for food pantries” model. Through this collaboration, community members can order groceries online and select from a variety of food options each month.
Data from the Illinois Department of Human Services highlights the need for such services, with 531,667 Cook County households receiving SNAP benefits each month. Of these, 55% are located in Chicago. However, with the cost of food continuing to rise, many households face challenges stretching their SNAP benefits to cover all their food needs.
The Online Market will be held every third Wednesday of the month, offering different food options with each distribution. In addition to groceries, The HUB will provide social services to support individuals and families as they navigate financial and personal challenges.
For more information about the Online Market or The HUB’s services, please call 844-482-4040.
Join us for an informational session at COCG on November 14 at 10 a.m. to learn more about this important community resource.
About Center on Halsted:
Center on Halsted is the Midwest’s most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) people of Chicagoland. To extend their reach, the Southside location on Cottage Grove has been open since August 2022. They provide a diverse amount of programming including LGBTQ inclusive church services, yoga, and several community centered events.

https://www.centeronhalsted.org


About Nourishing Hope:
Nourishing Hope is one of the largest and longest-operating hunger relief organizations in Chicago.
Providing the equivalent of 4.5 million meals each year, plus thousands of mental wellness and social services that empower healthy lives, Nourishing Hope strives to create a city where all people have the resources needed for a dignified life. They have volunteer opportunities six days a week at multiple sites. Learn more and get involved at nourishinghopechi.org
About The HUB:
The HIV HUB, or the HUB, is a collaboration between the AIDS Foundation Chicago and Center on Halsted to provide up-to-date services in LGBTQ+ healthcare for those living with or vulnerable to HIV or those looking for LGBTQ+ related health care. Navigating health and supportive service systems can be complicated and turn into a chore. It doesn’t need to be that way. The HUB is a one-stop-shop where you can come as you are, be heard, and find the support and resources you need. Call 844-482-4040 or visit hivhub.org to get started.