The line outside Wicker Park’s Big Star is a testament to their legendary tacos. But behind the bustling patio is a deep commitment to feeding more than just their paying customers. Big Star has forged a powerful alliance with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the city’s food bank, to combat hunger.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository is a nonprofit food distribution and training center providing food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in our community. They distribute food through a network of 700 pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in Cook County, distributing the equivalent of nearly 70 million meals last year.
“Hospitality is about feeding people, period,” says a representative from Big Star’s management. Big Star donates a portion of proceeds from a designated “Taco of the Month” and their culinary staff volunteer their time leading cooking classes at the Food Depository’s community kitchen.
“It’s our responsibility to support the Food Depository’s essential work.”
“The support from Big Star is transformative,” says a volunteer coordinator at the Food Depository. “Their chefs bring such energy and skill to our nutrition education programs. They’re not just donating money; they’re donating their talent.” A participant in a recent class shared, “I learned how to stretch my groceries and cook something my kids actually love. It gave me back a sense of dignity.”
How You Can Help:
- Eat & Drink: Visit Big Star and order the “Taco of the Month” to contribute.
- Volunteer: Sign up for a volunteer session at the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
- Donate: Contribute directly to the Food Depository to help them purchase and distribute food.
- Share: Share this story to highlight how Chicago restaurants are fighting hunger.
