February 17th 2024.
Mayor Brandon Johnson took a tour of BJ's Market and Bakery on February 6th, as part of his ongoing efforts to showcase the City of Chicago's commitment to providing nourishment for asylum seekers currently residing in the city's shelters. This initiative has been made possible by a generous $17.6 million donation from the state of Illinois and private contributions to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. This organization has partnered with 17 local businesses, mostly owned by Black and Latinx individuals, to serve hot meals to thousands of migrants every day since the end of 2022.
During his visit, Mayor Johnson spoke with Kate Maehr, the executive director and CEO of the Food Depository, who shared her admiration for the program, stating, "It is a model of what we were able to do; not only providing millions of meals for new arrivals, but also reinvesting millions of dollars in small and local Black- and brown-owned businesses." This sentiment was echoed by John Meyer, the chef and owner of BJ's Market, who reported a 100% increase in revenue since joining the program. This growth has allowed him to expand his staff by hiring four additional employees.
At a press conference, Mayor Johnson emphasized the significance of this program to him and the larger community. He called for continued support from the state and local government, stating, "This mission is going to take all of us, so there is a strong commitment for the state, county, and city to continue to challenge the federal government to respond to international crises. We must also ensure that our 28 shelters, where we have provided refuge for thousands of families, continue to receive the necessary resources for education and healthcare services."
The mayor also praised the program as a shining example of the resilient and compassionate spirit of Chicago. He stated, "The $17 million investment in these 18 black and brown small businesses truly captures the essence of our city. It embodies who we are as a community. It is fitting that we are here in this wonderful small business, as it has been Black and brown entrepreneurs who have stepped up in this moment of crisis to support these families in need."
In related news, there have been recent concerns in the suburbs of New York and Chicago about buses transporting migrants to these cities. However, Mayor Johnson remains steadfast in his commitment to providing aid and support to these individuals, stating, "We will continue to stand by our values and do what is right for these families. Our actions speak louder than any false narratives or fear-mongering. We are proud to welcome and assist those seeking a better life in our country."
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