Celebrating 30 Years! 1993-2023
We celebrated our 30th Anniversary on April 14, 2023! Since our founding in 1993, more than 1 million food vouchers have been distributed.
We look forward to continuing the work of this organization for another 30 years and beyond!
We look forward to continuing the work of this organization for another 30 years and beyond!
Chicago Shares on Catholic Chicago Radio
In May 2024, board members King Poor and Liz Kohlbeck were guests of Fr. Greg and co-host Mark Teresi on Chicago Catholic Radio (750 AM). King and Liz discussed Chicago Shares' mission, how the program works, and the ways in which voucher distribution has expanded, including our partnership with Jewel grocery stores and Roosevelt University.
Visit this link to watch a video of the conversation.
Visit this link to watch a video of the conversation.
Grantee Wins Johnson & Johnson Health Equity Innovation Challenge!
Dion's Chicago Dream, a 2023 Chicago Shares Grant awardee, was recently named a winner of Johnson & Johnson's 2024 Health Equity Innovation Challenge! The organization is one of five winners nationwide and was recognized for its work and focus on addressing the food insecurity that disproportionately impacts communities of color in Chicago.
We cannot think of a more deserving organization - congratulations!
We cannot think of a more deserving organization - congratulations!
Photo courtesy of Lloyd DeGrane, 2018
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How It WorksChicagoans purchase Chicago Shares, which are food vouchers, from our website or a local church. The purchaser shares the food vouchers with people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. The voucher recipients then use the vouchers to purchase food and personal care items from our local partners. These vouchers cannot be exchanged for alcohol or tobacco products.
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Feeding Our Neighbors Since 1993
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YEARS OF OPERATION
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VOUCHERS SOLD
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More Than A Meal:
Words From Chicago Shares' President King Poor
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"A young woman sits on a Chicago sidewalk. Only a blanket separates her from the concrete as she tries to stay warm against the winter winds. Beside her is a cup. She is looking downward and holds a cardboard sign: 'Please help. God bless.'
We pause and wonder if dropping cash in her cup might only add to an addiction, but also ask, 'Is there anything else I can do?' For more than 25 years, Chicago Shares has helped would-be passersby answer that question with a simple gesture: providing vouchers that may be redeemed for a meal at a local food store. These vouchers may be bought directly from Chicago Shares (online) or from local houses of worship. And the vouchers provide more than a meal. None of us lives by bread alone. We also live by connections. Stopping to hand a Chicago Shares voucher to someone on the street with a friendly word tells them that they are not invisible. It offers them the bread of recognition and connection." - Words from Chicago Shares' president, King Poor |
Photo courtesy of Lloyd DeGrane, 2020
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Testimonial from Chicago Shares Supporter
"Most people I talk to about Chicago Shares have never heard of them. So, I bought some Shares to hand out individually to my friends and acquaintances as samples, so they, too, can learn how to purchase Shares and give them to needy people."
Tom Dietvorst, Chicago (learned about Chicago Shares from an ad in Streetwise Magazine)
Tom Dietvorst, Chicago (learned about Chicago Shares from an ad in Streetwise Magazine)
Donations Accepted
Portrait courtesy of Ellen L. Rontal
If you don't have opportunity to hand out Chicago Shares yourself, but would like to support our program, please consider a donation. While we are 100% volunteer run, we do have very modest administration/operating costs to cover.
Please use the button below to submit your donation through our secure online platform.
Thank you for your kind help!
Please use the button below to submit your donation through our secure online platform.
Thank you for your kind help!
Portraits of Chicago's Homeless
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“Through my pencil portraits, I want to focus on giving these individuals a name and identity. In using pencil, I am able to use the nuance of line and shadow to gather an authenticity of emotion and personality."
- Ellen L. Rontal, local artist, and volunteer with The Chicago Help Initiative Learn more about Ellen's art here. |
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About Us
Chicago Shares is non-profit organization that facilitates a food voucher program to help feed Chicagoans in need.
Inspired by a similar voucher program in Berkeley, California, Chicago Shares was launched in January of 1993 at Holy Name Cathedral. Chicago Shares has always been a volunteer program, which means there is no paid staff. Our volunteers have been the key to the success and growth of this program. Additionally, the Chicago Shares program simply would not function without the participation of the vendors who accept our vouchers.
Every year Chicagoans show great generosity and care for their hungry neighbors. Over the years, some $50,000 in vouchers are redeemed annually from our participating vendors. We take pride in contributing to the well-being of others by providing the Chicago community with a safe, respectful and easy alternative to help feed people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.
Inspired by a similar voucher program in Berkeley, California, Chicago Shares was launched in January of 1993 at Holy Name Cathedral. Chicago Shares has always been a volunteer program, which means there is no paid staff. Our volunteers have been the key to the success and growth of this program. Additionally, the Chicago Shares program simply would not function without the participation of the vendors who accept our vouchers.
Every year Chicagoans show great generosity and care for their hungry neighbors. Over the years, some $50,000 in vouchers are redeemed annually from our participating vendors. We take pride in contributing to the well-being of others by providing the Chicago community with a safe, respectful and easy alternative to help feed people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.