Bigger Table

Bigger Table believes in a food & beverage industry that is better connected to and gives back to communities in which they operate; an industry that hires and trains more often from traditionally disadvantaged communities; and an empathetic industry that understands the critical role it plays in growing local economies within a just and equitable society.

Launched in 2020 by the Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network (CFBN), Bigger Table focuses on uncovering opportunities within the food & beverage industry to collaborate and deliver charitable and economic growth initiatives. Bigger Table’s primary focus is addressing growing food insecurity in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic by further leveraging and scaling a collaborative approach with many players in the food & beverage industry.   

Bigger Table does not compete with food banks, distribution centers, or industry players; instead, we connect those who would not normally work together, unlocking otherwise invisible opportunities that lie within these industries and their supply chains. By connecting disparate partners under a common goal, Bigger Table creates new value for the public good and addresses ongoing challenges with both food insecurity and unemployment that have been significantly worsened by the global pandemic.   

Bigger Table also engages corporate and community partners to create industry-informed food and beverage workforce development curricula, supporting young adults from underserved communities seeking long-term employment and incumbent workers seeking advancement. This effort is complementary in building coalitions for future industry philanthropy and social responsibility programming, and in building relationships with local communities who can benefit from our core hunger relief work.