#United States #Chicago #Mather #Top Box Foods

Mather Partners with Top Box Foods to Provide Fresh Food Aid

Mather, a non-profit organization focused on enhancing the quality of life for older adults, has announced an impressive collaboration with Top Box Foods to deliver nutritious food baskets to over 15,000 households in Chicago. This initiative aims to support older adults in need, particularly during the critical holiday season. With the financial commitment of $5.6 million, Mather is determined to make a meaningful impact on food insecurity among older adults, especially in light of recent changes to SNAP benefits.

Addressing Food Insecurity

As the availability of SNAP benefits has been temporarily paused, many older adults are finding themselves at greater risk of losing access to quality food. In response, Mather quickly adapted its original plan of providing 1,000 holiday meal baskets to include more than 15,000 households. Each basket is designed to contain six to eight servings of nutritious food along with recipes and cooking tips formulated by Mather’s culinary experts. This has prompted a larger response, leading Mather to expand its program to deliver 10,000 baskets on a monthly basis in 2026.

Mary Leary, CEO and President of Mather, emphasizes the organization's core mission of supporting older adults to thrive in an equitable Chicago. She states, "This investment aligns with one of our values – to rise to the moment with purpose. It goes beyond delivering sustenance. It also makes a meaningful difference in the overall health, well-being, and dignity of older adults."

A Community Challenge

Food insecurity is a serious concern, with estimates indicating that nearly one in five Chicago residents grapple with the issues of accessing nutritious food. Research shows that food-insecure older adults face higher rates of physical and mental health problems compared to food-secure individuals. Connor Deloach, Executive Director at Top Box Foods, underscores the importance of community collaboration in tackling this crisis. He expresses appreciation for Mather’s shared commitment to providing fresh produce and proteins as part of their nutritious offerings.

Mather and Top Box Foods are not just about feeding those in need; they are investing in the health outcomes of the community and ensuring older adults have the resources to prepare healthy meals. This partnership allows both organizations to work together towards a common goal of enhancing nutrition and well-being for a vulnerable demographic.

How to Get Involved

The need for nutritious food options is ongoing, and Top Box Foods welcomes contributions to support their emergency relief grocery program. Those interested in helping can visit topboxfoods.com to learn more about how they can participate in this essential initiative.

About Mather

Founded in 1941 and based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather is a unique non-denominational, non-profit organization dedicated to redefining societal perceptions of aging. They offer various programs and residences designed for older adults, fostering wellness, creativity, and community connections. The organization also conducts research through its Mather Institute to innovate better ways of living and aging well.

About Top Box Foods

Top Box Foods is committed to improving health outcomes within communities by curating and delivering food boxes that enable access to healthy nutrition. They support local food systems and initiatives that advocate for the principle of ‘food as medicine,’ ensuring that the most vulnerable populations can have access to fresh and affordable produce.

In summary, Mather and Top Box Foods are taking significant steps to address food insecurity in Chicago, especially among older adults during this challenging time. Their combined efforts represent a conscious and robust community partnership aimed at enhancing nutritional access and overall well-being.