Community Partner Spotlight: Nourishing Hope

Mission

Nourishing Hope works to end hunger and address its root causes by meeting people where they are, providing equitable access to nutritious food, alongside mental health and social services that support dignity, stability, and well-being. Through community-centered programs, we foster connection, advance equity, and help individuals.

CEO

Mitzi D. Baum, M.Sc. was appointed CEO of Nourishing Hope in August 2025. She provides steady, solutions-oriented leadership to ensure future sustainability and access for all neighbors in need of support. Most recently, Mitzi served as CEO of Stop Foodborne Illness, expanding its impact through consumer-centered collaboration across the food system. And previously, she developed a 23-year career at Feeding America, rising to the leadership role of Managing Director of Food Safety. Mitzi holds advanced degrees and certifications in food safety and nonprofit leadership.

Services Offered

Nourishing Hope offers multiple ways for neighbors to access food and supportive services with dignity and choice. Our pantry-style markets at Sheridan and El Mercadito allow individuals and families to select foods that best meet their needs. We also operate an online market supported by 11 locations, making it easy to order ahead and click and pick up at the site most convenient for you (visit our website to view all locations). For those unable to travel, home delivery is available. In addition to food access, we provide mental health and social services that support stability, well-being, and long-term resilience.

Current Projects

Nourishing Hope is currently expanding pantry-style markets, strengthening its online ordering and pickup system, and providing home delivery to improve equitable food access. Additional projects include enhancing volunteer engagement, upgrading operational and inventory systems, deepening community partnerships, and integrating mental health and social services with food assistance to address root causes of hunger and support long-term stability.

Organizational Impact to the Community

Nourishing Hope strengthens Chicago communities by providing equitable access to nutritious food and essential support services with dignity and choice. Through pantry-style markets, online ordering with convenient pickup, home delivery, and integrated mental health and social services, we reduce food insecurity, improve health outcomes, and support long-term stability and resilience for individuals and families across the city.

Funding Sources

Nourishing Hope is funded through a diverse mix of individual donors, foundation and corporate grants, government funding, fundraising events, and in-kind contributions such as food, goods, and services. This diversified funding model supports program sustainability and allows us to respond flexibly to community needs.

This spotlight is part of the Healthy City Collaborative, a program within the UIC Office of Community Engagement And Neighborhood Health Partnerships.

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