Brightpoint El Hogar Del Niño in Pilsen began a new grocery distribution service for families, according to an April 27 announcement. The program is a partnership with Nourishing Hope and aims to help local families facing challenges in affording groceries.
The initiative comes at a time when many families are struggling with recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and rising food prices. Rosaura Arellano, senior director of early childhood education and family support at El Hogar, said, “Not all of our families will be able to meet the new requirements. With prices increasing, it’s a challenge. The partnership with Nourishing Hope came at the perfect time.”
Families enrolled at El Hogar can now order groceries online once a month from Nourishing Hope and pick them up from Brightpoint’s offices. They have options including fresh produce, dairy products, meat, snacks, and diet-specific items such as vegan or vegetarian foods. Sixteen families participated on the first day of distribution.
Natia Barnett, senior program expansion manager for Nourishing Hope, said the online market was developed during the pandemic so people could access food in ways familiar to them. “Lots of folks are using technology to get what they need,” Barnett said. “The online market gives them the opportunity to not only preselect groceries but also choose the pick-up location.”
Barnett also highlighted that partnering with community organizations like El Hogar helps reach more people effectively: “I’m appreciative of organizations like El Hogar because they create a gateway,” she said. “They have the reputation, and the trust, to let us offer another opportunity and resources to the families.”
The new service reflects ongoing efforts by local groups to address persistent food insecurity in Pilsen through collaboration and adapting services for changing needs.
