Over the past two years, The Institute of Soil & Soul has donated more than 20,000 pounds of fresh, organic produce to The Ark, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchinis “as big as your arm,” one grateful client remarked. This abundance allows our clients to experience something rare in most food pantry settings: the dignity of choice. For many, it’s the first time they’ve been able to cook with ingredients like heirloom greens and perfectly ripe fruit. 

Founded by Gabriel Gould, affectionally known as “Farmer Gabe,” Soil & Soul is a Jewish regenerative farm in Long Grove and a living expression of Jewish tradition, environmental stewardship, and care for community. It began as a small for-profit farm and has evolved into a nonprofit institute that unites food justice, Jewish tradition, and ecological renewal. Soil & Soul blends modern farming with ancient Jewish agricultural wisdom. Instead of relying on chemicals or intensive tilling that damage the land, Soil & Soul restores fertility through natural practices. These include planting cover crops and rotating fields so that the soil itself is replenished. As Farmer Gabe explains, “The soil is not just a medium to grow plants in, it’s a living universe.” 

These practices reflect core values found in the Torah and Jewish law. While these mitzvot are fully observed only in Israel, Soil & Soul brings their spirit to life in a symbolic way by weaving them into the daily work of growing, harvesting, and sharing fresh produce with the community. This includes generous donations to Jewish organizations like The Ark.

Our partnership with Soil & Soul means more than receiving fresh produce. It is joining in a sacred cycle of giving, rooted in Torah and carried forward in community.

“For our clients, this partnership is an incredible gift. Fresh, organic produce is rarely available in food pantries, especially the wide variety that Soil & Soul provides. Receiving seasonal fruits and vegetables grown with such care brings both nourishment and dignity. Families are able to prepare meals with ingredients that many of us may take for granted.” - Marna Goldwin, The Ark CEO

Last year, Ark staff and volunteers visited the farm, lending a hand with the harvest. It was a meaningful opportunity to see firsthand where our food comes from and the care it takes to provide our clients with high-quality produce. 

This season, The Ark’s pantry will be filled with fresh produce thanks to partners like Soil & Soul, the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and other generous supporters.

Still, our clients continue to need nonperishable food, toiletries, and other household essentials. 

You can help by donating funds, dropping off goods, or shipping items directly from our Amazon Wish List. Every gift strengthens our ability to meet growing demand and support our most vulnerable neighbors. Together, we are planting seeds of resilience, sustainability, and hope, nourishing both soil and soul. 

The Ark’s High Holiday Collection Drive for our kosher food pantries is underway, offering a powerful opportunity to care for more than 3,000 Jewish individuals in our community experiencing financial and food insecurity. With your support, this collection drive will stock our shelves for over one-third of the year. 

This fall, The Ark is marking the High Holidays with meaningful celebrations for our clients. 

For many, The Ark is more than a resource. It is a sanctuary and a central expression of Jewish identity. These celebrations bring everyone together, and the New Year is the perfect opportunity to connect in community and reflect. 

Tonight, we’ll gather for a special Rosh Hashanah Café, an evening featuring a festive meal, apples and honey, and the sound of the shofar. We’re especially excited to welcome back live music from Jeff (of Jeff and Janis). Volunteers will prepare and distribute holiday bags that include challah and other treats to help clients celebrate at home. 

Then, on October 9, we’ll celebrate Sukkot during Chol Hamoed with lunch in the sukkah atop The Ark’s Outdoor Terrace. Clients will have the chance to shake the lulav and etrog, enjoy an art activity, a catered meal, and live viola music.  

These special gatherings create a warm, welcoming space for clients to honor the holidays with dignity, community, and joy. 

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, The Ark’s Back-to-School Program raised over $75,000. We provided families with gift cards paired with select school supplies, giving the dignity of choice to purchase exactly what their children need most. Together, we helped more than 1,100 children in our community head back to school with confidence, excitement, and the supplies they need to succeed. 

With the support of our dedicated volunteers, we were able to distribute essential school supplies to students from kindergarten through 12th grade, including: 

We’d like to share special thanks to our partner, KeHE Cares Foundation, for a generous contribution to support this program and families across Chicagoland. 

As the cost of living rises and federal cuts to SNAP and Medicaid take effect, thousands in our community are losing access to basic support. The Ark has already seen a 15% increase in clients this past year, and the need is only growing. 

With the generous support of our community, we will be able to provide an additional $750,000 to our efforts to fight food and housing insecurity for Jewish families across Chicagoland. As Rosh Hashanah approaches, we are reminded of our shared obligation to care for one another. Your gift today makes it possible for The Ark to continue coordinating vital human services and providing hope for a better future. 

Meet this critical moment with a High Holiday gift today. 

Support The Ark’s vital work while sharing new years’ greeting card wishes with your family and friends. Order printed cards or a personalized e-card, and your entire donation will make a direct impact to uplift those in need across Jewish Chicagoland.

Every gift to The Ark ensures that those facing hardship find a safety net and lifeline of support.

Refer a loved one or someone you know to The Ark for support from experienced case managers who create individualized plans using The Ark’s wide array of free services.

Call 773-973-1000 or visit arkchicago.org.

The Ark is a vibrant hub of vital human services, empowered by Jewish values, that lifts and strengthens the Jewish community.

Community-funded. A partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community.

6450 N. California Ave, Chicago, IL 60645

3100 Dundee Rd., Suite 802, Northbrook, IL 60062

ark@arkchicago.org

773-973-1000

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