Walgreens has announced a new partnership with Dion’s Chicago Dream to tackle social determinants of health by improving access to healthy food for families in the Chicagoland area who face food insecurity.
The partnership aims to provide fresh produce weekly to over 275 households, impacting about 1,000 Chicago residents for one year. This collaboration not only addresses food insecurity but also aims to improve health outcomes and create jobs.
Dion’s Chicago Dream, founded by visionary Dion Dawson, focuses on improving health outcomes and promoting health equity through an innovative approach to food security, combining last-mile delivery and logistics.
Alethia Jackson, Senior Vice President of ESG and Chief DEI Officer at Walgreens Boots Alliance, stated, We recognize the importance of taking a localized approach to meet the specific needs of communities, and partnerships are crucial in this effort. The Walgreens Foundation is committed to supporting the health and well-being of the communities we serve. The dedication of Dion’s Chicago Dream is making a significant impact in Chicago, and we are thrilled to support their important work.
Dion Dawson, Founder of Dion’s Chicago Dream, remarked, “In these challenging times, communities are struggling with limited access to nutritious food and stretched budgets, creating significant barriers. At Dion’s Chicago Dream, we are committed to improving both access and quality of food, focusing on the recipient experience. This partnership allows us to reach more neighborhoods and highlights the transformative potential of collaboration between business and nonprofit sectors. Together, we are setting a standard for innovation and quality, demonstrating what is possible when we unite for the common good.”
The food will be distributed through the Dream Vault and Dream Delivery programs, ensuring fresh produce reaches households weekly:
- Dream Deliveries: This service delivers fresh produce directly to residents’ doorsteps, providing pre-measured packages of fruits and vegetables to families facing food insecurity. With a focus on minimizing waste, these deliveries supply underserved families with a five-day supply of healthy options, helping to transition them from food insecure to food secure.
- Dream Vault: This system combats food insecurity on a larger scale through advanced logistics and destination solutions. It features a networked locker system where customers can access a weekly Dream Delivery box containing five days’ worth of pre-measured fruits and vegetables using a unique electronic code.
Through this innovative partnership, Walgreens and Dion’s Chicago Dream are making significant strides toward reducing food insecurity and enhancing community health.
