The Chicagoland Food landscape is a vibrant tapestry of cultures and cuisines, yet beneath the surface lies a complex system with deep-seated challenges. The Chicagoland Food Sovereignty Coalition (CFSC) emerges as a beacon of hope, a collective of grassroots mutual aid groups dedicated to reimagining and rebuilding our local food system. Born from a need for resilience, sustainability, and equity, CFSC is tackling food system issues head-on, advocating for a community-led approach rooted in food sovereignty.
What is the Chicagoland Food Sovereignty Coalition?
CFSC stands as a powerful network of autonomous mutual aid organizations united by a common vision: a resilient, sustainable, and equitable Chicagoland food system. Their work is deeply rooted in the principle of food sovereignty, emphasizing the right of communities to control their own food systems, from production to distribution and consumption.
The COVID-19 pandemic starkly exposed the fragility of national, regional, and even local food systems. Over-reliance on industrialized food production, rampant food waste, profit-driven motives, and the stark reality of food apartheid were brought into sharp focus. These systems, often managed by distant power structures and policymakers, have failed to prioritize everyday people, particularly those facing barriers to accessing healthy, nutritious Chicagoland food.
CFSC is committed to constructing a new paradigm. They are building a food system driven by “radical love” rather than profit, aiming to unlock food abundance for everyone in Chicagoland. Operating under the fiscal sponsorship of Hack Club, a 501C-3 organization fostering the solidarity economy, CFSC channels resources and collective action towards this transformative goal.
The Genesis of the Chicagoland Food Sovereignty Movement
The seeds of CFSC were sown in the efforts of the Brave Space Alliance, whose mutual aid initiatives addressed urgent food security needs within their communities. Early discussions among mutual aid groups from Chicago’s South and West Sides centered on developing localized food access programs for those with the fewest resources.
A pivotal moment arrived in the fall of 2020 when the Chicago Food Policy Action Council (CFPAC) investigated alternatives to the USDA’s “Farmers to Families” box program. While intended to address food insecurity, the program proved to be a temporary fix, masking deeper systemic issues within the Chicagoland food network. CFPAC’s research highlighted the immense capital required to replicate such a program sustainably, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change.
These findings ignited conversations about creating equitable and sustainable solutions for communities facing food access challenges. Many individuals who would later become part of CFSC actively participated in these discussions, passionately advocating for increased resources to ensure fair food distribution. Their advocacy resonated with anonymous donors who stepped forward to support this critical cause.
December 14, 2020, marked a turning point. The Chicagoland mutual aid community convened to decide on accepting a significant $120,000 anonymous donation earmarked for mutual aid organizations. This pivotal decision effectively launched the Chicagoland Food Sovereignty Coalition (CFSC). Initially, the coalition focused on addressing immediate collective needs, identifying food sources and establishing cold storage solutions. While participating in the USDA “Farmers to Families” program, CFSC simultaneously worked to supplement USDA food boxes with healthier options through food rescue initiatives.
When the USDA program concluded, CFSC strategically shifted its primary focus to food rescue. This approach centers on diverting healthy, surplus food from wasteful capitalist supply chains and redistributing this abundance within Chicagoland communities.
Around this time, connections were forged with Professor Howard Rosing at DePaul University through CFPAC meetings. Collaborating with his graduate students, CFSC initiated a crucial mapping project to comprehensively identify cold storage facilities throughout the Chicagoland area. This invaluable resource allowed the coalition to strategically plan for the cold storage infrastructure necessary to support their growing food rescue hub. The mapping project also revealed potential partnerships with grocery stores and distributors willing to contribute to their food rescue efforts, strengthening the Chicagoland food rescue network.
In April 2021, CFSC received a significant grant from the Chicago Region Food System Fund (CRFSF), in partnership with Seven Generations Ahead (SGA) and the Wasted Food Action Alliance (WFAA). This funding, specifically aimed at bolstering resilient food systems, enabled CFSC to focus on establishing a dedicated food rescue hub and enhancing their communication systems.
June 16, 2021, marked a major milestone with CFSC securing a 1,000 square foot space in a West Pilsen cold storage warehouse, thanks to The Urban Canopy. This pivotal acquisition dramatically accelerated and expanded their Chicagoland food rescue operations. By the end of 2021, CFSC further expanded their reach by opening a second food rescue hub in Hermosa.
As CFSC approaches its fourth year in 2024, the coalition reflects on its continued growth and learning. Gratitude is extended to the numerous individuals and organizations who have supported CFSC, particularly the neighbors within their vibrant communities. Sustaining their resource-light operations requires ongoing support. CFSC welcomes volunteers and funders who share their vision for reimagining the Chicagoland food system. Working together, CFSC aims to amplify the voices of the most marginalized communities, ensuring they have agency and choice in shaping the future of food in Chicagoland.
Communities at the Heart of Chicagoland Food Sovereignty
CFSC’s impact resonates across a wide spectrum of neighborhoods within Chicago and Cook County, demonstrating the breadth of their Chicagoland food sovereignty movement:
Chicago Neighborhoods: Roseland, Pullman, Morgan Park, Mt Greenwood, Beverly, Chatham, Auburn Gresham, Grand Crossing, Englewood, South Shore, Woodlawn, Washington Park, Hyde Park, Kenwood, Bronzeville, Back of the Yards, Pilsen, Little Village, North Lawndale, Garfield Park, Austin, Humboldt Park, Logan Square, Ukrainian Village, West Town, Wicker Park, Bucktown, Hermosa, Belmont Cragin, Avondale, Irving Park, Portage Park, Albany Park, Buena Park, Uptown, Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, Edgewater, Rogers Park, Mayfair.
Cook County Suburbs: Calumet City, South Chicago Heights, Dolton, Harvey, Markham.
This extensive list underscores CFSC’s commitment to serving diverse communities throughout the Chicagoland food region.
Guiding Principles: Community Agreements
CFSC operates on a foundation of shared community agreements and principles, emphasizing horizontal relationships and a commitment to dismantling hierarchy. Inspired by models like the Seeds of Change Spokes Council and Food Not Bombs flow chart, CFSC utilizes consensus-based decision-making processes. Central to their ethos is inclusivity and justice: they explicitly do not collaborate with groups promoting hate or discrimination. These agreements are accessible for public review [link to community agreements was provided in the original article].
Funding the Vision of Chicagoland Food Sovereignty
CFSC’s financial support stems from a diverse range of sources, including individual donations and grants. Recognizing the ongoing need for resources to sustain and expand their work, CFSC actively seeks financial contributions. Donations can be made through their fiscal sponsor, Hack Club, via a dedicated link [link to donation page was provided in the original article]. CFSC also encourages groups operating in more affluent areas to contribute to the coalition’s collective resources, fostering a spirit of solidarity and resource sharing across the Chicagoland food network.
Joining the Chicagoland Food Sovereignty Coalition
CFSC warmly welcomes new groups who align with their community agreements and practice mutual aid principles. For groups interested in joining this impactful Chicagoland food movement, the first step involves scheduling a meeting with a current coalition member through the “Contact Us” tab on their website. Following an alignment assessment, prospective members are invited to share more about their group’s work. Final membership approval rests with the Spokes Council, ensuring a collective and democratic onboarding process.
Active participation in coalition meetings is encouraged, fostering community building and cross-group collaboration. CFSC recognizes potential barriers to meeting participation, such as time constraints, financial limitations, or technology access, and is committed to working with groups to overcome these challenges, ensuring that the Chicagoland food sovereignty movement remains inclusive and accessible to all.
