Challenge Unlimited and Soulcial Kitchen Announce CSA Program to Expand Healthy Food Access and Inclusive Employment Opportunities in Alton
Alton, IL – March 26, 2025 – Challenge Unlimited and Soulcial Kitchen are thrilled to announce their innovative Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) partnership with Theodora Farms. The program will launch April 1, 2025, and this initiative will significantly enhance community nutrition, expand meaningful employment and training opportunities, support local agriculture, and address food insecurity throughout the Metro East region.
This partnership will benefit participants of Challenge Unlimited Employment Services and Skills Training Programs by offering practical training in agriculture, food preparation, distribution, and logistics. The initiative empowers individuals through employment opportunity and promotes career advancement.
Led by Theodora Farms and central to the CSA program is the Blessing Box “Buy One, Give One” initiative. For every CSA subscription box purchased, another box is donated to local organizations like the Crisis Food Center, directly benefiting families experiencing food insecurity. Each CSA box includes a variety of fresh, locally grown produce. Members also enjoy a 10% discount at the Farm Store to complete their weekly shopping. The CSA boxes will be packaged and prepared for distribution by individuals at the Challenge Unlimited Skills Training Center in Alton, Illinois.
“This partnership with Soulcial Kitchen and Theodora Farms not only supports local farmers and improves community health, but it creates new pathways for individuals in our employment and training programs,” said John Becker, Vice President of Operations at Challenge Unlimited. “We’re excited to offer meaningful job opportunities that align perfectly with our mission of empowering people with disabilities and other employment barriers.”
“We are excited to launch this initiative and collaborate with these organizations to bring healthy food, job training and a variety of employment opportunities to the community,” said Jeff Adams of Theodora Farms. To sign up for the CSA Program and learn more about the Blessing Box Initiative visit www.theodorafarms.com/csa and click “Register Here” for additional information.
About Challenge Unlimited: Challenge Unlimited is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities by providing pathways to employment, residential services, and other support programs. For more information, visit www.cuinc.org.
About Soulcial Kitchen Powered by Food is Love: Soulcial Kitchen, through its nonprofit arm Food is Love, empowers underserved communities through food-centered training, employment, and dignity-driven service delivery models, including culinary education, food as medicine initiatives, and food truck and mobile market operations.
About Theodora Farms: Theodora Farms is a 30-acre, USDA certified organic vegetable farm, located in Godfrey, IL. Their mission is to cultivate the health and happiness of the Riverbend, through good food and joyful experiences. Theodora Farms operates an on-site grocery store and produces organic produce for area restaurants, food pantries, and schools.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Stephanie Schrage
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(618)462-4593
