OUR NEW HOME
We are strategically building the infrastructure to end local hunger through client-centered design that enhances program impact in a community-focused facility. Our new home, located at 6209 North Avenue in Oak Park, will create a safe and welcoming space for neighbors to access food and services. More than a physical space, the building is a symbol of our commitment to equity, community engagement, and sustainability.
The future of Beyond Hunger calls for scaling impact. With our proven flexible service models, we provide personalized, dignified support that empowers individuals to move beyond hunger. Through the Building for the Future campaign, we are laying the groundwork for a more resilient and sustainable approach to food security. Continual improvement—through assessing our current models and preparing for future innovations—is a cornerstone of this approach.
Designed For Dignity
Originally housed in just one location (the basement of First United Church of Oak Park), our staff and volunteers now work out of four separate facilities to safely store and distribute food and to deliver our array of services. Quarters are so tight that many staff share desks and shift offices weekly. Programs straddle locations, causing confusion to participants trying to locate services. Resources are taxed, simply rotating food back and forth across locations because centralized storage is inadequate.
This disjointed model severely limits our ability to meet growing hunger needs. More importantly, it prevents us from scaling program models that have proven to successfully reduce hunger and increase nutrition security.
We envision a better world. A facility where our proven models flourish. Where food storage, programs, and staff are housed together for the convenience of our neighbors. Where resources are deployed to improve programs rather than rotate stock. A future where we work collaboratively to engage participants in creating a more equitable food system.
OUR VISION: Building For The Future
Priority 1: Designed with Dignity
Our new facility will serve as a hub for Beyond Hunger's programs and will ensure:
- Accessibility, geographically and physically
- A welcoming reception area
- Safe and adequate refrigeration and dry goods food storage
- A drive-thru food pick-up area
- Grocery store-type space for walk-in food selection
- A demonstration kitchen and classroom space
- Flexible workspace including private offices and open, collaborative spaces
- Meeting rooms for staff, volunteers, and community groups
- Designated volunteer space
- Ample parking
Priority 2: Amplifying Our Impact
We will ensure a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable approach to food security by assessing our current models and developing innovative programs, partnerships, and advocacy to advance Beyond Hunger's social impact. We will hire a Director of Program Impact to help us scale up:
- Developing and overseeing community impact strategy and outcome measurement that draw on the expertise of neighbors with lived and living experience with hunger.
- Designing, managing, and advancing our program and advocacy portfolio.
- Cultivating and stewarding corporate and strategic community partnerships and coalitions to further our mission and deepen community presence.
Priority 3: Together for Tomorrow
We will establish an endowment fund to ensure long-term sustainability. Governed by investment and spending policies to be determined by the Board of Directors, the endowment fund will ensure we can remain nimble and responsive to new, unforeseen needs and opportunities well into the future.