Started by Catholic Charities in Chicago, Crisp! Mobile Produce, is an innovative social enterprise that aims to address the issue of food deserts in underserved areas of the city while also generating revenue to fund other Catholic Charities’ food and nutrition programs. Launched in 2013 with a grant from the USDA Farmers Market Promotion program, Crisp! is a mobile grocery that delivers fresh fruits and vegetables right to customer’s front doors.

The primary goals of Crisp! are to increase fresh produce availability to food deserts areas in Chicago, help local farmers by using regional products and reducing carbon emissions, and financially support Catholic Charities nutrition programs. Crisp! also partnered with a youth center to provide healthy snacks for kids after school.

Many communities in Chicago face issues such as food insecurity or lack of access to nutritious food. For many, traveling far from home is simply not possible due to age, ability, or lack of transportation. Crisp! has been an especially great resource for seniors, particularly in rough winter weather.

Catholic Charities’ Crisp! program has gained support from community members, been recognized by other businesses and organizations in Chicago, and gained recognition in  the local media. In an effort to keep healthy options available, Crisp! provides more than 29 million meals annually to Chicagoland residents and their families.

With the support of the community, Crisp! continues to impact Chicago residents and strive for healthier choices in everyday life.

To find out more about Crisp! go to http://www.crispgrocery.com/.