RAVENSWOOD COMMUNITY SERVICES INC

We strive to offer services and connections to resources that can help people realize health, stability and self-sufficiency.

RCS provides access to nutrition, basic health care counsel, and connection to community resources through the service of a weekly meal and access to a choice-model food pantry, the availability of an ask-a-nurse clinic, and support from on-site social workers during operating hours.

RCS is a member agency of The Greater Chicago Food Depository's network of hunger relief agencies which provide access to significant amounts of high quality, nutritious food at little to no cost. It is fortunate to have the volunteer support of more than 1,400 volunteers annually and the generous financial support of local individuals, businesses, and foundations.

Since it's first distribution in 1993, the food pantry operated by Ravenswood Community Services has grown from providing groceries donated by volunteers to a handful of neighbors each week, to serving 200-250 neighborhood families every Tuesday evening with food supplied through donations, USDA commodities, rescued produce and other food items, and purchased staples including fresh produce, milk and bread. In addition to the expansion of its food pantry services, RCS has also added a weekly hot meal service (served family-style for 125), an ask-a-nurse clinic, and on-site social workers to connect neighbors with resources in the community for things like housing, health care, and job training. RCS' programs, run by a small group of volunteers 25 years ago, now benefit from community support including partnerships with local schools, businesses, youth groups, community groups, other non-profit agencies, and individuals.

RCS will continue to evolve its service offerings, according to the needs of our neighbors, using a combination of providing additional services in-house and leveraging services already available from other local agencies. Plans for the expansion of services are evaluated according to two key criteria: effective service delivery and efficient use of scarce resources.