Introducing the Community Kitchen and Food Lab

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In June 2020, we launched the new Community Kitchen and Food Lab.   No other Meals on Wheels program has a kitchen like ours.  Building on examples of other programs, this kitchen goes further in its innovative approach to nutrition in aging.

This new space allows us to…

  • Provide greater client support, such as referrals to social services.

  • Engage the greater community as a part of the solution to malnutrition and hunger.

  • Work with local universities and researchers to test the latest ideas in senior nutrition.

  • Produce meals for more clients

  • Create meals that include locally sourced vegetables, meats, cheeses

  • Give clients menu choices, cultural options, and special diets.

This kitchen space also allows us to serve the broader community in new and innovative ways, such as providing job training for veterans and a multitude of other potential projects.

Meeting Current and Future Expectations

Approximately 25,000 older adults struggle to access food within the neighborhoods we currently deliver to. As the only meal program in our area that can provide medically prescribed meals, regardless of age or income, we know that we have to provide the best for our clients today, and be ready for the future.

 If you would like additional information about making a donation, please call 847-332-2678 or email Deborah Morganfield at executivedirector@mealsonwheelsnei.org Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois is a 501(c)3 organization. The tax identification number is 36-2662113. 

Our supporters

Many thanks to the generous foundations and individuals who are supporting our community kitchen:

The Phoebe R. and John D. Lewis Foundation $100,000

Meals at Home Glenbrook Program $75,000

Dana Green and Tom Clancy $50,000

Steve Hagerty and Lisa Altenbernd $50,000

The Russell and Josephine Kott Memorial Charitable Trust of the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation $50,000

The Retirement Research Foundation $28,000

Thekla and John Metz $20,000

Daniel L. and Ada F. Rice Foundation $15,000

Richard and Hylene Dublin $10,000

Anonymous Donor $10,000

Cudahy Family Foundation $2,000

Numerous friends of Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois

Learn more: The Process and How We Got Here

Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois has been researching, learning, and laying the groundwork to launch this plan.  It is built on the foundation of much work and expertise, and with the guidance, support, and recommendations from the following:

•Strategic Plan with Marc Hilton, Marc Hilton Nonprofit Consulting, and consultant Linda Lipman, and the Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois Board of Directors

•Feasibility study with Nell Funk, President and Owner of Now We’re Cookin’, a food incubator consulting company

•Communication plan with Steve Johnson, Founder and Principal at SJConnects Strategic Communications

•Branding plan with Maxwell Billings, Brand Designer, Founder at EightySeven

•Meals on Wheel Northeastern Illinois Kitchen Task Force, including:

•Jo Anne Brown, RD and LDN

•David Boris, Chef/Owner of Hel’s Kitchen Catering

•Brian Borkan, President of BKB Commercial Corporation

•Nell Funk, food incubator consultant

•Danny Williamson, Manager of Operations at Furious Spoon and Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois Board Director

•Additional Support from Hecky Powell, Hecky’s Barbecue and Robin Rue Simmons, 5th Ward Alderwoman