mRelief partners with The Greater Chicago Food Depository
mRelief has partnered with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to improve food access in our community through a mobile-friendly online application. The tiny tech startup and the 40-year-old food bank are teaming up to promote food security in Chicago from a new angle: technology.
“We’re thrilled to partner with mRelief to pilot this innovative new technology that will make it easier for people facing hunger to connect with needed food assistance,” said Nicole Robinson, vice president of community impact for the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
While Illinois does have an online application, it can be difficult for the average person to navigate. This is true especially those who are working and don’t have time to fill out a 20-page paper application, or spend time filling out the application online. According to FNS, in Illinois last year 167,000 working families did not receive food stamps even though they’re eligible, because the process can be so difficult.
The Food Depository has a rich history of enrolling Cook County residents for benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, with teams that assist families to apply over the phone, or in person at various schools, food pantry locations and benefits outreach events.
Now with mRelief’s tech expertise, the Food Depository will be able to provide yet another on-ramp for families to access SNAP benefits with dignity. mRelief has already implemented their tech-based solution in California, where they’ve measured a 30% increase in food stamp enrollments thanks to their process.
“We’re so happy to partner with the Food Depository on our dignified solution in our community and move towards expanding access to social services.” says Rose Afriyie, Executive Director of mRelief. mRelief provides food stamp eligibility screening to 44 states, and is rolling out accessible applications in several states this year. “We’re even more thrilled to be doing this work with an organization that believes, as we do, that food is a human right.”
The online application can be accessed from a desktop, tablet, or smartphone: https://apply.mrelief.com/screener?organization=gcfd
