A Night to Remember in the West Loop

The annual Good Food Gathering at Loft Lucia brought the Chicago food community together and featured inspiring speakers, community leaders, and small business owners. 

Guest Speakers

Good Food Catalyst CEO Shelby Parchman opened the evening with a special welcome. He discussed the organization’s mission and its ongoing work on the South and West Sides of Chicago. Next, he introduced the evening’s two speakers: Dr. Ed McDonald, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Chicago, and Phil Jackson, Pastor and CEO of The Firehouse Community Arts Center. As vital community and education partners, the speakers explained how healthy eating education prevents diseases and builds lifelong habits. Their partnership with Good Food Catalyst enables them to educate local communities through neighborhood events.

Celebrating Local Entrepreneurs

Emerging food entrepreneurs had the opportunity to sample products and engage with potential customers. Throughout the evening,  vendors and attendees connected and networked with Chicago’s growing food scene.