Who We Serve

The Kitchen’s patrons are very diverse and live in all areas of Chicago and many suburbs including Evanston, Park Ridge, Oak Park, Cicero, Berwyn, Forest Park and Blue Island.

The only requirement for receiving meals or other food from GNCK is that the person must be in need of food or desire to participate in our advocacy work.

  • 75% of our patrons are male, 25% female
  • 60% of our patrons are African American, 30% are White and 8% Latino
  • 60% of our patrons live in Rogers Park, 20% live in Uptown
  • 30% of our patrons are senior citizens
  • 15% of our patrons are children
  • 40% of our patrons are working full or part-time
  • 25% of our patrons are homeless

Society often marginalizes the poor but at GNCK we strive daily to treat all patrons with the utmost respect and dignity. A set of "Patron’s Rights" were developed by the Kitchen Patron’s Council, a group of patron leaders who believe that having a say in Kitchen policies will assist in creating and maintaining a safe and welcoming community space where patrons are encouraged to participate in the decisions that affect their lives.

Patron’s Rights

All Good News Community Kitchen patrons have a right...
...To be treated with respect and dignity at all times when inside the Kitchen.
...To respectfully voice their opinions and suggestions about the kitchen and its operations.
...To receive a clean, sanitary and nutritious meal.
...To be treated equally by Kitchen staff and volunteers.
...To eat their meal in a safe environment.
...To have some serious decisions reviewed, such as being denied a meal or being barred from the Kitchen, by a committee comprised of patron representatives and the Kitchen Operations Director.
...To participate in regular meetings between the Patron’s Council and the Operations Director to discuss issues related to rules, rights, ideas and suggestions.
For website questions, please contact Suzanne Seme at sseme@transunion.com.