About Us
.png)
Our Story: How Elgin Eats Began
Elgin Eats was born from a simple but powerful conviction: no one in our community should go to bed hungry. What started as a 13 passionate community members and handful of local churches preparing meals in their kitchens has grown into a community-wide movement that now serves over 525 meals every week.
​
We saw neighbors struggling to choose between paying bills and buying groceries. We met hardworking parents too exhausted after long shifts to prepare dinner. We watched seniors on fixed incomes skipping meals to afford their medications. We knew we had to do something.
​
In partnership with Elgin Cares (ETX Cares), our program manager, we brought together churches, ministries, local businesses, and passionate volunteers who share a common mission: to ensure that everyone in Elgin has access to dignified meals served with love and respect.
What Makes Us Different
No Questions Asked, No Strings Attached
When we say our meals are free, we mean completely free. No applications, no income verification, no paperwork. Just show up, and we'll serve you with a smile. We believe food is a basic human right, not something you have to earn or prove you deserve.
​
More Than Just Food
Every meal we serve is prepared with care because we believe everyone deserves good food, regardless of their circumstances. But we're serving more than dinner—we're serving dignity, community, and hope. Our volunteers don't just hand out plates; they learn names, share conversations, and build genuine relationships.
​
Community-Powered Care
Elgin Eats runs entirely on the generosity and dedication of our community. From the churches that donate kitchen space to the volunteers who serve rain or shine, from the local businesses that contribute ingredients to the families who give what they can—every meal represents our community's commitment to taking care of each other.
​
​
Our Impact
Who We Serve
Since our founding
​
Elgin Eats has:
​
-
Served over 100,000 meals to families in need
-
Mobilized 160+ volunteers from across the community
-
Partnered with 50+ local churches, businesses, and organizations
-
Reached homebound seniors and families through our delivery program
-
Created a judgment-free space where everyone is welcome
​
​
​
Our walk-up area (and Drive-Thru!) are open to everyone:
​​
We Serve everyone:
​
-
Families stretching paychecks between bills and groceries
-
Seniors living on fixed incomes
-
Individuals facing temporary hardship or unemployment
-
Working parents who need a helping hand
-
Anyone experiencing food insecurity
-
Community members who simply want a hot meal and friendly conversation
You don't need to be in crisis to receive a meal from us. Whether you're facing a temporary setback or ongoing challenges, we're here for you—no judgment, just care.