SOUL & SMOKE FOUNDATION
Chef D’Andre Carter and Heather Bublick are proud to share the launch of the Soul & Smoke Foundation – an organization dedicated to promoting food security in their local community. The foundation is proud to now support the Soul & Smoke Community Fridge. Originally launched in 2021, and hosted in partnership with the mutual aid network Evanston Community Fridges, the new fridge was received courtesy of Boelter, the food-service supply company. The commercial fridge is bigger, holds more food, and can withstand weather conditions year-round.
Evanston’s 5th Ward, where Soul & Smoke has been based for 10 years, is a historically redlined area that has faced long-term disinvestment. The fridge makes a difference to many community members; neighbors help neighbors, anyone can take what they need and leave what they can. Members of the community supply everything from fresh produce, breads, and full meals to packaged goods in the pantry side.
Soul & Smoke Foundation EIN is 33-4933902
COMUNITY FRIDGE
Supported by community donations, this year we provided full Thanksgiving meals for 177 families in need, and Christmas meals for 55 families.
Looking into 2026 our goal is to keep our community fridge stocked with prepared foods for those in need to help themselves to. But we can’t do it alone. Your generosity makes a direct, tangible impact.
Every dollar raised goes directly toward feeding families in our community — no hurdles, no barriers, just food and love. This year, let’s come together to make sure every family has a seat at the table, no matter their circumstances.
COMMUNITY PROMISE
At Soul & Smoke we are firm believers in paying it forward. Soul & Smoke’s growth and success directly supports underserved communities, especially on the south side of Chicago, and in Evanston’s 5th ward.
In collaboration with Chef José Andres of World Central Kitchen, as well as the Evanston Community Foundation we were able to provide over 200,000 meals to the Chicago community during the pandemic. Chef D’Andre remains a part of the WCK Chef Corps and is also a board member of The Trotter Project, and a member of the Illinois Restaurant Association Advisory Council. Chef D’Andre and Co-Founder Heather Bublick are both members of the Chicago Chef’s Cook Chef’s Board.
In addition, our Evanston restaurant location offers a 24-hour community fridge, supplying meals free of charge to anyone in need. Click below to donate to our community fridge!