Zero Percent Initiative

[Rivera, Olga]

Dear Chicago Task Force on Homeless Youth Members,

 

The Department of Family and Support Services is always looking for initiatives that may help our community partners’ work to improve the living standards of Chicago residents and their families. One of the challenges that we face is the lack of access to food among vulnerable populations. An estimated 50 million Americans do not have access to enough food. For this reason, efforts to reduce food waste are an issue of utmost importance.

 

The Zero Percent Program was created in 2013 as a food rescue strategy that helps nonprofit organizations and businesses, while ultimately benefitting the communities we serve. Zero Percent connects food donors, like Einstein Bagels and Lou Malnati's, with nonprofit agencies to facilitate food donations. Nonprofit agencies fill out a form with their food and logistical needs and Zero Percent matches these requests with the current pool of donors. There is no cost if nonprofits commit to picking up the donations themselves in a reliable way, and delivery fees start at 30 cents per pound or less.

 

We encourage you to explore the website – www.zeropercent.us – or contact Zero Percent directly at he...@zeropercent.us or 800.501.9802. Also, attached to this email is a flier from Zero Percent where you can learn more about this initiative and its costs.

 

Sincerely,

 

________________________________________

John W. Pfeiffer, MPA  | First Deputy Commissioner

Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS)

1615 West Chicago Avenue | Chicago, IL  60622

o: 312.746.8534 | e: john.p...@cityofchicago.org