Community
We open our doors and provide free space for many in our community to improve lives, build trust, and fight against injustice, racism, and harassment. Many times a year we host events and create special fundraisers toward these goals. If you have an idea or a collaboration opportunity for ways that we make change through food and community, please email us eat@lulacafe.com.
Since the pandemic, Lula has provided a hearty and healthful meal for 150 members of our community for free each week with a unique partnership between Raise High Road Kitchens and Community Dinners Avondale. You can support this effort to “pay forward” by purchasing a meal here and by donating to our partners at Community Dinners Avondale. Meals are open to all each Thursday at noon, 3000 N Kedzie.
Community Dinners Avondale
Community Dinners functions on the premise that access to wholesome food is not only a human right, but a way to communicate acceptance and love to individuals in a community. Hunger is the great equalizer.
No living being can function without the sustenance of food, love and acceptance.
Community Dinners strives to fuel systemic change through the comfort of food which is a vehicle of compassion and communication.
High Road Kitchens
High Road Kitchens (HRK) are independent restaurants that provide food on a sliding scale to low-wage workers, health care workers first responders, and others in need. Launched during the COVID-19 crisis, HRK provides jobs for restaurant workers and a subsidy for responsible restaurant owners who commit to paying a living wage and following equitable employment practices.
The pandemic has revealed a pathway to a new future for the service sector. There is no going back. Together we can set a course towards a more equitable industry – for good
One Fair Wage
One Fair Wage is a national organization of over 200,000 service workers, over 800 restaurant employers, and dozens of organizations nationwide all working together to end all subminimum wages in the United States and improve wages and working conditions in the service sector in particular.
Independent Restaurant Coalition
The Independent Restaurant Coalition was formed by chefs and independent restaurant owners across the country who have built a grassroots movement to secure vital protections for the nation’s 500,000 independent restaurants and the more than 11 million restaurant workers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. For any inquiries, please contact info@saverestaurants.com.
Pilot Light Chefs
Chef Jason Hammel is one of several chefs who started Pilot Light, which is focused on food education and action in the Chicago school system.
Community Farms
Now more than ever we must support the local members of our food supply chain. Below are links to learn about our friends in the community.
| Butternut Sustainable Farms Broken Arrow Ranch Ellis Family Farm Frillman Farms | Gunthorp Farms Mick Klug Farm Mint Creek Farm | Seedling Fruit Slagel Family Farm Timberfeast Three Sister’s Garden |