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About Bigger Table

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Bigger Table Plant Based Chili

2 Million Servings Distributed Since 2020

Bigger Table is Making a Difference.

Bigger Table launched as an organization in March of 2020, just as the global pandemic was coming to Chicago. From the beginning we have leveraged the simple, powerful idea that food ingredient companies and manufacturers could collaborate and make a difference in fighting food insecurity in Chicagoland. Just over three years later, we are proud to report that through the incredible and generous contributions of the food & beverage industry, Bigger Table will have donated over 2 million servings of healthy foods and beverages made from donated ingredients, manufacturing time, know-how, and packaging. 

 

Currently Distributing: Plant-Based Chili

As the cold weather and higher food prices persists, many are in need of a warm and satisfying meal. That’s why we are thrilled to announce the distribution of approximately 450,000 servings of Bigger Table’s Plant-Based Chili, a high-protein, high-fiber meal that has been months in the making. Crafted by a professional chef and made with donated ingredients from ADM, ofi, and Pacific Foods, our chili is now being distributed throughout Chicagoland via our food banks and pantries.

 

But why chili? How do we know this the right product to create? Because we partnered with food banks to understand their needs. Food banks tell us they often lack healthy options for those who can’t or won’t eat meat. So we made the chili vegan, and also provided instructions to supplement it with meat or other items from the food bank to suit personal taste and dietary preferences. Because all of us deserve a healthy, hearty meal, regardless of our income. 

What sets Bigger Table Chili apart? Each family-sized pouch, which serves four, contains an impressive 48 grams of protein and 24 grams of fiber, offering delicious taste, long-lasting fullness, and vital nutrition to the 1 in 6 Chicagoland families who are food insecure. 

Bigger Table’s plant-based chili is distributed through partner food banks and service organizations— the Northern Illinois Food Bank, Greater Chicago Food Depository, Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, Central Illinois Food Bank, Beyond Hunger, Glenwood Academy, Greater Chatham Initiative, Bronzeville Kenwood Mutual Aid Association, and others to bring this nutritious and delicious product to those in need. We’re honored to support these groups on the front line fighting hunger.

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Giving Back and Getting Engaged in Your Community

Ingredient & Manufacturing Companies:  Are you looking for a way for your employees to give back to the community? Have you found yourself with excess ingredients you typically throw away, or ingredients that don’t quite meet production specifications? Work with Bigger Table!

Bigger Table takes these ingredients and engages your team to create food for those in need. By donating your excess ingredients to us, you not only contribute to a great cause, but you also receive an enhanced tax benefit for your donation.

Through generosity of our partners so far, we’re excited to announce our plans for a lineup of incredible products for the year ahead, including:

  • High Protein Fruit Smoothie
  • High Protein Pancake Mix
  • Hearty Soup & Stew 
  • Healthy Mac & Cheese

To create these amazing products, we’re currently seeking proteins, flavors, fruits & veggies, starches, acidifiers—and the dedication of your team to help make a difference in the communities in which you operate. If you’re interested in learning more on how your company can make a difference with Bigger Table, please contact Beth at Bigger Table.

 

Our partnerships with local companies has enabled us to not only provide tasty and nutritious meals, but to also do so efficiently and at scale. The dedication to our mission and the expertise has been critical in ensuring that we can reach as many people as possible with our programs. We are grateful for ongoing support and collaboration as we work towards a Chicagoland where no one goes hungry.

Bigger Table Community Partners
Bigger Table Quote 1

BIGGER TABLE DONATES SECOND ROUND OF 73,000 HIGH-PROTEIN CHOCOLATE ALMOND BARS TO COMBAT FOOD INSECURITY

Pioneering innovative ways to address hunger by creating high quality, nutritious foods.

CHICAGO, IL. – February 28, 2022 – Nonprofit Bigger Table and eight companies throughout Chicagoland joined forces to fight food insecurity with the creation of high-fiber, high-protein almond chocolate bars. Working closely with food banks and pantries, Bigger Table develops, creates, and provides new, nutrient-rich foods to address specific needs of community partners.

Volunteers taking a look at the tasty and nutritious Chocolate Almond Protein Bars

“We’re grateful to partner with Bigger Table and receive these nutritious protein bars. Donated, high quality protein has been especially hard to come by during the pandemic, and our network is always looking to fill that need for our neighbors,” says Liz Gentile, Director of Food Procurement at Northern Illinois Food Bank. “Our thanks to Bigger Table for stepping up for our community.”

Bigger Table identifies opportunities within the food and beverage industry for innovative philanthropic work. Bigger Table creates new ways to donate consumer-ready product where and when it is needed most. Distribution of the 73,000 bars will go to five Chicagoland partner organizations dedicated to reducing food insecurity in their community: Northern Illinois Food Bank, Blessings in a Backpack, Fight to Feed, Humans for Hope, and Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry.

“I’m just happy Bigger Table exists. It is answering a need that no one else is. They are collaborating not only with these local manufacturers, but also food pantries. It is just an awesome thing,” said Shannon Cameron, Executive Director of the Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry.

All protein bar ingredients, time, and labor were in-kind contributions donated by local companies that are part of Chicagoland’s food & beverage eco-system: ADM, Blommer Chocolate, Coyle Print Group, Glanbia Nutritionals, GlobalTranz, Imbibe, National Foodworks Services, ofi Cocoa, and ofi Edible Nuts. The tasty, nutrient-rich, no added sugar bars contain 18g of protein and 10g of fiber per serving.  The delicious chocolate bar satisfies both taste and nutritional needs.

“Glanbia Nutritionals was pleased to partner with Bigger Table and the Chicagoland Food and Beverage Network on this effort and donate healthy ingredients for the protein bars,” said Wilf Costello, Chief Marketing Officer of Glanbia Nutritionals. “Delivering better nutrition for every step of life’s journey is our mission and supporting food banks and groups such as Blessings in a Backpack when they are facing such an increased need, really brings that mission to life.”

ABOUT BIGGER TABLE: Bigger Table is a nonprofit (501c3) organization founded by the Chicagoland Food and Beverage Network. Bigger Table aims to bring together the area’s food & beverage industry to collaborate and deliver on a series of charitable and economic growth initiatives. By working together, Bigger Table believes it can work more effectively, have a bigger impact on the community, and better engage employees and the communities it serves. For more information about Bigger Table, please visit biggertable.org.

BT Cocoa

(Press Release) BIGGER TABLE DONATES 300,000 SERVINGS OF HIGH PROTEIN COCOA MIX

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MEDIA CONTACT:  Anna Briggs Pirila, Bigger Table, (c) 207.602.9545, anna@chicagolandfood.org

BIGGER TABLE DONATES 300,000 SERVINGS OF HIGH PROTEIN COCOA MIX

Local Food and Beverage Leaders Collaborate to Build a Bigger Table and Healthier Community

CHICAGO, IL. – Thirteen companies throughout Chicagoland worked with new nonprofit Bigger Table to address food insecurity, with the creation of a low-sugar, high-protein cocoa mix. In its first year, Bigger Table has identified opportunities, within the food and beverage industry, for innovative philanthropic paths to donate consumer-ready product where and when it is needed most.

“We have seen an unprecedented number of Chicago area residents who are facing food insecurity, in part from the difficulties brought on by the pandemic,” said Alan Reed, Director of Chicagoland Food and Beverage Network (CFBN) and Bigger Table. “Throughout this project, we aim to address food insecurity, serve our community, and provide needed warmth during this cold winter. Our partner companies have once again assembled to create a delicious, healthy, high quality cocoa, made specifically to donate to local food banks and pantries.”

As a nonprofit organization, Bigger Table brings together industry leaders to respond to the needs of communities struggling with food insecurity, with the creation of unique, nutritional products. The hot cocoa mix is made of ingredients donated by local food and beverage companies. The tasty, nutrient-rich, no added sugar, 7g of protein and 2g of fiber per serving cocoa satisfies both taste and nutritional needs. Distribution of the 300,000 servings will go to Beyond Hunger, Greater Chicago Food Depository, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Parents for Peace and Justice, and The New 26th Ward.

All hot cocoa ingredients, time, and labor were in-kind contributions by participating organizations: ADM, Bader Rutter, CoreFX, ConnectFood, Coyle Print Group, Dairy Farmers of America, Edlong, FONA International, Imbibe, Lithotype Co., Olam Cocoa, Sweetener Supply, and Proven Partners Group which is responsible for product manufacturing.

“This is a groundbreaking collaboration in the food and beverage industry,” said Andy Dratt, Chairman of Bigger Table. “We’ve created a unique platform for designing and producing food products that immediately and directly address food insecurity, and we hope to dramatically expand our reach over the coming years.” On the horizon, Bigger Table is in the process of planning and creating other products including high-protein vegetable chili, macaroni and cheese, and snack bars. All products will be produced in the same collaborative effort and donated to community food banks, pantries, and partners.

ABOUT BIGGER TABLE: Bigger Table is a nonprofit (501c3) organization founded by the Chicagoland Food and Beverage Network. It aims to bring together the area’s food & beverage industry to collaborate and deliver on a series of charitable and economic growth initiatives. By working together, Bigger Table believes it can work more effectively, have a bigger impact on the community, and better engage employees and the communities it serves. For more information about Bigger Table, please visit biggertable.org.

ABOUT CHICAGOLAND FOOD AND BEVERAGE NETWORK: CFBN is a regional food & beverage membership organization representing a rich variety of industry leaders, from established professionals to budding entrepreneurs. CFBN boasts a vibrant and growing membership of companies interested in connecting and learning from others and building the industry in Chicagoland. It brings people together for networking opportunities, to brainstorm great ideas, to collaborate and create to grow business.

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Promoting giving day and feeding America

C.A. 5K Giving Day (Content Provided by C.A. Fortune)

Promoting giving day and feeding America

“Together, let’s apply our passion for food to create positive impact in our communities, especially for those hurting from the pandemic and natural events like the wildfires out West.”

Each day, C.A. Fortune and its client partners work hard to get innovative, good-for-you products into the hands of consumers across the country. Your success has been their success, and they could not be more grateful. This quarter, to pass along the gratitude, C.A. Fortune will focus energy on those experiencing hunger within our communities.

The C.A. 5K Giving Day is a virtual fundraiser aimed at getting members of the C.A. Fortune team, including families, friends, and clients, active in an effort to raise funds for Feeding America* — all while having fun! All are invited to participate in the virtual 5K. 

Thank you for helping express a bit of gratitude during these uneasy times. Follow the action and impact of their efforts on C.A. Fortune social media accounts or by searching for #CA5KGivingDay!

For more details, to register for the 5K and to donate, click here.

A resident receives free rice at an ATM in Indonesia in 2020 SOPA IMAGES/LIGHTROCKET VIA GETTY IMAGES

The Genius Of ATMs Serving Pizza And Rice During Covid-19 (Content by Forbes)

Article written by Alex Ledsom Senior Contributor Travel I write about travel, culture, food & drink.

In April, Bloomberg reported on queues that were hundreds of people long–all maintaining social distancing rules–waiting for a twice-daily distribution of 1.5 kg of rice via an ATM in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. The service has been vital for the 5 million people who have lost jobs or been furloughed as a result of the pandemic.

In Kansas City in April the owners of Jones Bar-B-Q took delivery of a vending machine that had been ordered the winter before but “couldn’t have come at a better time.” Customers can drive up, socially distanced from one another and the staff, and order one of seven items–chicken wings, turkey, rib tips and burnt ends (the crispy charred bits of brisket which are a local speciality). The machine is stocked between 5am and 10am when they come off the smoker, the pay is contactless and service is steady, providing an ideal pandemic-friendly food service for a small business.

Read the full article, here.

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Insurance Company Provides Free Fruits & Vegetables To Members With New FarmboxRX Program (Content Provided by Forbes)

Robin Seaton JeffersonFormer ContributorRetirement

The Greek physician and father of medicine said it best. “Let food be thy medicine, thy medicine shall be thy food.”

There’s a reason he’s called the father of medicine. Hippocrates somehow knew over 2,000 years ago that illness had a physical and a rational explanation and that what we put into our bodies has huge implications for what we get out of them. Twenty-first century research is proving Hippocrates was right on the money.

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Enter Ashley Tyrner of Farmbox Direct and now FarmboxRX. Tyrner has penned an unprecedented deal with Vibra Health of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania—the first insurance company to offer healthy fruit and vegetable boxes to its members, with an initial focus on seniors. In fact, the company is so sure that eating right can affect health outcomes, that they’re doing it for their Medicare Advantage members for free.

Through the FarmboxRX pilot program, Tyrner said she hopes to help revolutionize healthcare through healthy eating.

The daughter of an Illinois soy bean farmer who took an unintended and somewhat fortuitous route to New York City, Tyrner said she grew up with a love of agriculture. But it was being pregnant and on food stamps in California that led her to head to the other side of the country where she had dreamed of living and working since her girlhood.

Tyrner ended up moving into a four-flight walk-up in New York City with a three-month-old baby in tow. Initially she took a job in fashion. But her agricultural roots began to pull at her, when she realized that some 700,000 people in New York City and the Bronx live in a “food desert.” And she thought that if people could get coffee delivered to them in the middle of the night in the Big Apple, why not good food? (The USDA defines food deserts as parts of the country vapid of fresh fruit, vegetables and other healthful whole foods.)

Read more, here.

A Guide to Efficient Food Distribution Center Sizing and Configuration (Content Provided by Food Logistics)

This analysis results in facilities that are sized and configured to best maximize the distributor’s opportunity to receive, store and ship a case for the lowest cost.October 12, 2020 Mark Moore

When considering the cost and benefit of building a new distribution facility, the primary focus for many companies is the cost of construction. While this is certainly a major factor, it is not the greatest factor. A look at the pro forma of most, if not all distribution centers, reveals that the two largest cost components of the operation are freight and labor. Freight cost is purely a site selection issue and facility design cannot affect that. However, it can significantly affect warehouse labor costs with intelligent analysis and design. 

To read the full article, click here.

GFSTS-Report

Results & Analysis from the 2020 Global Food Safety Training Survey (Content by Intertek Alchemy)

The annual Global Food Safety Training Survey is an industry benchmarking tool for companies to assess their food safety training programs compared to their industry peers. Download this complimentary report to gain insights from dozens of data points with insightful analysis. Utilize these findings and best practices to gain the support and resources needed in your organization to meet our industry’s evolving training needs.

To download the full report, click here.

Also find “The Research Uncovers Positive Trends & Areas of Concern.”

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Community refrigerators throughout Chicago offer free, healthy food (News Provided by Chicago Tribune)

The Love Fridge in the alley behind 57th Street Books in Chicago is a refrigerator from which people can take free food or donate food for others to take. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)

By CHRISTEN A. JOHNSON CHICAGO TRIBUNE |AUG 24, 2020 AT 4:23 PM

The Love Fridge is a community refrigerator collective working to provide Chicago’s neighborhoods with free healthy foods through refrigerated items and pantry goods.

The collective, which started about two months ago, has seven refrigerators throughout the city, with an eighth on the way. The sixth fridge was installed in Hyde Park on Thursday, and the seventh in Brighton Park over the weekend, said Kate Taylor Battle, a core organizer.

“We’ve been really, really, lucky to get so many fridges up in a short amount of time,” said Battle, who estimates the collective has put out approximately 30,000 pounds of food for people in Chicago’s communities.

All fridges have a “host,” Battle said, and 57th Street Books hosts the Hyde Park fridge in the alley behind the bookstore. Without the host, the refrigerators don’t get any power, and there’s a chance the city can remove them. Read the full story, here.