#USA #Chicago #Barilla #Meals on Wheels #Connection Kitchen

Barilla's Connection Kitchen: Spreading Joy This Holiday Season

Barilla, renowned as the leading pasta producer globally, is championing a cause close to its heart this holiday season. With an aim to cultivate joy through food, the company is launching its inaugural initiative, the Connection Kitchen food truck, in partnership with Meals on Wheels America. This initiative hopes to combat loneliness and hunger among seniors during the festive period.

The Mission Behind Connection Kitchen

Located in Northbrook, Illinois, Barilla recognizes that sharing meals fosters connections that are fundamental to human happiness. As part of its endeavor to spread joy, Barilla has dedicated itself to assist seniors who often feel isolated during the holiday period. Their collaboration with Meals on Wheels America is particularly poignant; recent research has revealed that many seniors face food insecurity and loneliness due to insufficient support and resources. Notably, one out of three Meals on Wheels programs nationwide maintains a waitlist due to funding limitations.

For this reason, the Connection Kitchen program was born. Barilla has made a generous donation of $250,000 to Meals on Wheels America, alongside fostering volunteer recruitment efforts for local programs across the country. The Connection Kitchen initiative aims not only to serve delicious meals but also to inspire communities to engage in volunteer opportunities with Meals on Wheels.

Food Truck Launch and Features

Kicking off during the holiday giving season, the Connection Kitchen food truck will traverse the streets of Chicago, offering a delectable array of pasta dishes for free. This venture is not simply about distributing food; it's about creating awareness of the importance of social connections through food. The food truck will make stops at two iconic locations in Chicago:

• - Merchandise Mart on Friday, December 6th from 12 PM to 3 PM CT.
• - Oakbrook Center on Saturday, December 7th from 11 AM to 5 PM CT.

Visitors can take a moment to enjoy delightful dishes ranging from Snowfall Cacio e Pepe to Creamy Mushroom Farfalle, all while being encouraged to sign up for Meals on Wheels volunteering opportunities. Barilla's Vice President, Laura Birk, highlights the significance of their initiative, referencing recent studies which indicate that nearly 60% of people have dined alone more frequently, emphasizing that community meals have a positive impact on mental health.

The Impact of Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels America plays an essential role in combating senior hunger and isolation by connecting volunteers with seniors who require meals and companionship. With Barilla's support, there is hope to raise awareness around these urgent issues while bringing delicious pasta dishes into the mix. Ellie Hollander, CEO of Meals on Wheels America, expressed gratitude towards Barilla's commitment, stating that the partnership aims to ensure that every senior receives the vital support they need.

A Tradition of Giving Back

Barilla has a longstanding tradition of contributing to non-profit organizations and providing support to those in need. Over the years, they have generously donated over 50,000 tons of products and more than 60 million euros, aiding communities worldwide. Collaborating with organizations such as Feeding America and the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Barilla's mission reflects its commitment to alleviating hunger and encouraging a sense of community.

The Barilla Connection Kitchen initiative is a converging point for pasta lovers and community members who wish to make a significant impact during the festive season. For individuals interested in supporting this cause, further information is available at BarillaConnectionKitchen.com and for volunteering inquiries at Meals on Wheels America.

As the holiday season approaches, Barilla is paving the way for more concrete connections while reminding us that joy is best when shared. With every bowl of pasta served, they hope to inspire communities to come together and support their local seniors, ensuring no one has to face this season of merriment alone.