RLC Chicago, IL

Rescuing Leftover Cuisine Chicago is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting food insecurity. Partnering with local food businesses, RLC Chicago rescues excess food and delivers it to community-based organizations that provide support for food insecure populations across Chicagoland. Thanks to our dedicated food donor partners and volunteers, we are able to address food insecurity in Illinois and create a more sustainable, food-secure future.

Branch Founded: 2022

136344

pounds rescued

113620

meals provided

Nearly 2 in 10 households in Chicago, IL are experiencing food insecurity

Food insecurity has been on the rise in Chicagoland over the past three years. In 2021 there were more than 613,000 people in Cook County who struggled with food insecurity compared to 482,000 in 2019. That’s an increase of 132,000 people in only two years.

Food insecurity is more prevalent in black and brown communities, which make up almost half of Chicago's population. More than 36% of black households and 28% of Latino households in Chicago experienced food insecurity.

In 2021, the City of Chicago identified food insecurity as a pressing issue and launched the Food Equity Council to help address the growing number of food insecure households.


20%

RLC Chicago bridges the gap between food excess and insecurity

RLC Chicago has partnered with Grubhub, which is headquartered in Chicago, to work with their restaurant partners to deliver leftover food to local nonprofits that serve those most vulnerable to food insecurity.

There is no food donation that is too small for RLC Chicago to pick up and distribute to those facing food insecurity. We pick up food donations of any size and ensure they make it to families in need. This sets us apart from many other food service organizations which have a minimum food donation amount.

RLC Chicago is open to creative partnerships with restaurants, businesses, organizations, events, and festivals that have leftover food. We love to explore creative ways to reduce food waste and provide nutritious food to folks who need it most.


Volunteer with Us
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Who we work with

“Partnering with RLC has been a great initiative that the entire office can get behind. Everyone from RLC is friendly, organized and I love knowing we are partnering together to help those experiencing homelessness!”


Danielle Zellman

Cedar

Join the Movement

Want to be a food   rescuer?

reduce hunger & wasted food

protect the environment

rescue solo or as a team

Are you a non-profit that needs food?

receive free & healthy food

tailored for your needs

save time & resources

Support Our Mission


Donate
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Get in touch with RLC Chicago

Emma Rosche-Ritchie

Chicago Branch Manager

Bret Carr

Chicago Fundraising Manager


Keep up with RLC Chicago, IL