Five women with criminal records, who repeatedly faced rejection from employers and landlords, established ChiFresh Kitchen, a worker‑owned food business in Chicago.

The cooperative began during the COVID‑19 pandemic as an emergency meal‑production operation, initially preparing about 500 meals a day.

Since then, ChiFresh Kitchen has expanded its capacity to produce up to 5,000 meals daily for schools, nursing homes, YMCA facilities and other institutional clients across Chicago.

The cooperative’s annual revenue is estimated at roughly KSh 324 million (about USD 2.5 million).

Ownership is shared among the workers, who also take part in decisions on pay, hiring and the overall direction of the business.

Building on the food operation, the founders launched JumpStart Housing Cooperative in 2023, a resident‑owned vehicle that purchased its first three‑storey apartment building and continues to acquire property for members.

The cooperative network, supported by the non‑profit VOLTS, employs more than 20 people, with over three‑quarters serving as owners.

Funding for the venture includes approximately KSh 494 million in grants and KSh 363 million in loans from Chicago’s “Wealth Our Way” programme and other community finance partners.