Chicago man's non-profit delivers fresh produce to thousands of households weekly
Dion Dawson has expanded his mission from feeding 100 families to providing 80,000 pounds of fresh food every week.
Dion Dawson, a former homeless man from Englewood, Chicago, now runs a non-profit that distributes 80,000 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables to over 5,400 households every week, according to the Times of India.
Dawson launched his organisation, Dion’s Chicago Dream, in August 2020 after raising $2,500 through GoFundMe to feed 96 families during Juneteenth.
The initiative differs from traditional food pantries by purchasing produce from regional suppliers and local farmers rather than relying on donated canned goods.
The operation employs 53 people, known as the Dream Team, who earn at least $20 an hour to ensure a steady workforce and support the local neighbourhood.
Dawson, a former Navy veteran who experienced homelessness after returning home in 2015, said the organisation aims to treat residents with dignity.
The group is currently collaborating with healthcare systems to provide medically tailored food boxes for patients managing diabetes and heart disease.