A food growing community cultivating health
Our mission is to put food back into the hands of all people.
Our mission is to put food back into the hands of all people.
Professional electric/induction/gas kitchens available for rent by the hour or on a subscription basis, with storage space. Classrooms also available for cooking classes or events.
Offering affordable, fresh produce grown by local farmers, as well as other food products. Handmade products from local small businesses.
A place for community gatherings, events, and classes. An outdoor community bread/pizza oven available. Rooftop garden and hydroponic greenhouse for produce, teaching and events. An apartment building will house 6-3 bedroom 1500 sq ft apartments with Cleos' Southern Cuisine restaurant on the ground floor.
As a pediatric nurse for 37 years I have seen an increase in the number of kids admitted with obesity and malnutrition, diabetes at a younger age and kids so chronically constipated they are hospitalized for invasive treatment.......all related to poor nutrition, food insecurity and a more sedentary lifestyle than ever before. During the pandemic, food access was even more difficult, highlighting the food and health disparities.
Treating the results of food inequity and a lack of nutrition knowledge in the hospital or doctor's office is not working as evidenced by these kids suffering on a daily basis. Seeing this year after year, getting worse, I knew I needed to do something to change the pattern and to encourage food sovereignty, especially in neighborhoods of color. Food access is not enough; we need to do more.
Food matters, that is clear and we need to provide the tools to empower the community to know where their food comes from, provide affordable access, grow their own and learn simple ways to prepare locally grown foods to improve health outcomes. This is something we must do, for the health and wellness of our children and ourselves and the betterment of our communities.
Food Matters is a women owned, women led minority project, intentionally including community BIPOC and LGBTQ+ owned businesses.
The food culture of Chicago is robust and unique. We provide a place for seasoned chefs and budding entrepreneurs to thrive and grow within our commercial and teaching kitchen spaces which can be utilized for cooking and teaching classes with video taping and live streaming capabilities.
Cleo's Southern Cuisine will have a restaurant on the ground floor of the apartment building , utilizing food grown on site in the greenhouse and rooftop garden for a true farm to table experience in the heart of the south side.
Our community market will offer local farmer's, vendors, bakers, artisans, etc a place to sell their products year round., without having to man a table like at a farmer's market. By collaborating and offering a unique business model we are strengthening the local food supply chain and stimulating small business growth while offering affordable, locally grown foods. Health is wealth.
People need community and all community starts around the table. We are creating a space that fosters community engagement and promotes social interaction while providing healthy fresh food and the necessary nutrition education. The enitre project will be built with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind, including composting and food waste programs while utilizing circular economy principles. Food Matters is about changing the local food system to improve local health outcomes by also offering community health and wellness programming thoughout the development.
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Are you interested in renting the kitchen, becoming a vendor or in classes? Commercial spaces for business are also available. Email us at info@foodmatters.life
435-447 East 43rd Street, Chicago, Illinois 60653, United States
Coming to the historic neighborhood of Bronzeville in Chicago, Illinois
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