Food
Building an Equitable Soil-to-Table Food System in Woodlawn
The Woodlawn Food Hub
First Church has been a source of food security in Woodlawn for decades. In the wake of the pandemic, we are pursuing a broader vision of food sovereignty in South Side Chicago.
In 2020, as global supply chains were collapsing, a council of Woodlawn neighbors and gardeners came together to create a vision of lasting food security in our community. We believe Woodlawn has the capacity to grow all the fresh produce its residents could need. All we have to do is get better organized to share our knowledge, skills, and resources.
At First Church, we have been leveraging our facilities to make that vision a reality. Our Free Food Market, Greenhouse, Community Gardens, and food program partners are all part of forming a vibrant and sustainable soil-to-table food system.
The Free Food Market
The Free Food Market at First Church is open Thursdays from 10am-12pm. On holidays, these hours may vary.
We are proud to be partnered with The Greater Chicago Food Depository, the 65th & Woodlawn Community Garden, and Kumunda Gardens. These partners supply a wide variety of groceries and fresh produce, including canned goods, pantry staples, fresh vegetables and other seasonal produce, and high-quality meats.
If you are interested in joining the vibrant team of volunteers who make the food pantry happen every week, please contact us at hello@chicagofirstchurch.org.
If you ever need food outside of pantry hours, you can contact the Greater Chicago Food Depository Directly to be connected with a nearby pantry. Delivery service is sometimes available. A one-time emergency delivery to your residence is also possible. If you nee immediate access to food outside our pantry hours, please call 773-247-3663
Programs & Parnerships
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The Free Food Market
Thursdays from 10-12, supplied by the Greater Chicago Food Depository, totally free and open to everyone
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Market Box
A mutual aid project that sources food from small farms and distributes it for free across the South Side of Chicago
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Dozzy's Grill
Our chef-in-residence is bringing fresh & modern West African soul food to Chicago. Available to cater your next event
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Solidarity Banquet Series
We hold banquets to bring the communities of Woodlawn together and build solidarity through storytelling and discourse
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The Woodlawn Community Greenhouse
Expected to complete renovation in Fall 2024
A place for seedlings and venue for events an weddings
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The United Community Gardens (65th & Woodlawn and Kumunda Gardens)
Two autonomous community gardens hosted on church land providing fresh organic produce to the neighborhood
The Solidarity Banquet Series
