OUR MISSION AND HISTORY
Since 1991, we have been actively engaged in the mission to eradicate hunger in Chicago.
Our Mission
The mission of Sanad Pantry is to eradicate hunger in Chicago through active engagement, collaborative efforts, and effective leadership.
Our Vision
A hunger-free community.
Core Values
We are committed to efficiently supplying food to our program participants and partners in need, all while upholding the utmost standards of food safety.
Our Company
Sanad Pantry History
Founded in 1991 by Fatima Abu Eid, SANAD’s mission is to serve the Arab-American community and other residents of Chicago Lawn by providing essential services such as food, shelter, and community support. From its humble beginnings in a one-bedroom apartment, SANAD has grown into a vital organization offering programs like food pantries, job assistance, and educational classes to meet the diverse needs of the community.
Key Milestones:
- 1991: SANAD was founded to support Chicago’s Arab-American community.
- 2001: Fatima co-founded the International Human Relations Council (IHRC) to combat hate crimes and foster unity.
- 2020: During the COVID-19 pandemic, SANAD remained open, serving over 20,000 families in three months.
Accomplishments
34+ Years of
Service
Fatima Abu Eid has dedicated over three decades to the Chicago Lawn community.
First Human Service Agency in the Middle Eastern Community:
SANAD continues to be a pioneering force in addressing the needs of Arab-American residents.
Zero Hate Crimes in
Chicago Lawn
Through initiatives like the IHRC, Fatima and her team helped reduce hate crimes in the area to zero.
Programs and Services
Fatima Abu Eid’s vision for SANAD has always been to help herself and others. The organization provides a wide range of services to uplift the community, including:
- Food Assistance: Offering food pantry services for families in need.
- Utility Bill Help: Assisting with utility payments to alleviate financial burdens.
- Job Placement Support: Providing job search help and employment training.
- Educational Programs: Hosting classes such as ESL, sewing, and computer training to empower individuals with new skills.
Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers
Fatima founded SANAD with the goal of breaking down barriers and building bridges between communities. One of her most notable accomplishments was establishing the IHRC to stop hate crimes. Under her leadership, Chicago Lawn has seen a dramatic reduction in hate crimes and a stronger, more unified community.
Impact During Crises
- 9/11 Response: In response to increased bias and hate crimes post-9/11, SANAD helped create spaces for cultural exchange and understanding.
- COVID-19 Pandemic: SANAD served over 20,000 families, ensuring that the food pantry remained open, and also provided meals for migrants staying in police stations.
- Inflation and Economic Support: Currently, SANAD assists families by addressing the inflation crisis, offering help with food, utility bills, and job placement.
Fatima Abu Eid’s philosophy is simple yet profound: “We do the best we can and always meet people where they are.” Every person who walks through SANAD’s doors is greeted with love, respect, and, as Fatima says, a cup of Turkish coffee.
ACT NOW. INSIST ON TRANSFORMATION.
Extend a Helping Hand to Your Community
Hunger is an ongoing issue that impacts every neighborhood in Chicago. Each year, hundreds of thousands of individuals experience food insecurity, and even a single person facing this challenge is one too many.
Give
Contribute and create a significant effect in the support we provide by making a one-time donation, monthly contribution, tribute gift, stock donation, or more.
Volunteer
Be a volunteer, whether you're an individual or part of a group, and register to lend a hand either at our center or within the community.
Advocate
Raise your voice in backing our advocacy initiatives aimed at tackling the underlying causes of hunger.
Start a Virtual Food Drive
Initiate a fundraising campaign with friends, family, or colleagues, and create an immediate impact within our community.
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Thank You to Our Funders
