On February 1st, our partner Dion’s Chicago Dream celebrated their one-millionth pound of delivered fresh produce with a surprise visit to one of their first participants.
Monica Thompson is a mom, accountant, Englewood resident, and one of the first neighbors who signed up for free fresh produce when Dion’s Chicago Dream began in 2020. When she came downstairs that morning, she thought she would just be receiving another delivery.
But in addition to the one-millionth pound of fresh produce, Thompson received a $10,000 check sponsored by Amazon, $1,000 for groceries at Save-A-Lot, a personalized Chicago Bulls jersey with a VIP ticket package, and swag bags from supporters of Dion’s Chicago Dream.
Dion Dawson, Chief Dreamer, was joined by Mayor Johnson, Alderwoman Stephanie Coleman (16th), State Representative Sonya Harper (D-Chicago) and dozens of neighbors to present the awards. When Thompson heard what she would be receiving, she erupted in a cheer and happy tears. “I thank God for Dion’s Dream,” Thompson said.
She plans to use the $10,000 toward a down payment on a property so that she can rent to other neighbors in need.
Program Officer Lyle Allen and Administrator Paulina Plewa from the Foundation were present to cheer on this massive achievement. They were uplifted by the lively atmosphere of people chatting, re-connecting or meeting anew, and brainstorming new partnerships. It was “inspiring to experience and share this moment with friends and colleagues in solidarity,” Lyle wrote.
The Reva and David Logan Foundation has supported Dion’s Chicago Dream since 2021. Most recently, we invested in a 20,000 square-foot property in Englewood for the organization, which they are converting into a distribution center and community space. We are excited to continue supporting them as they fight food insecurity with their unique approach to community outreach.
Read Dion’s reflection on this recent milestone in his op-ed for Common Dreams: “How to Solve Food Insecurity? Treat Healthy Food as a Human Right.”