Walgreens Introduces Dream Vault Smart Locker in Chicago

In an effort to enhance health equity and food security, Walgreens has introduced Dream Vault smart lockers in partnership with the nonprofit Dion’s Chicago Dream at its Gage Park location. The initiative aims to provide free, fresh produce to underserved households in the Gage Park neighborhood, helping to alleviate food insecurity.

Key Details:

• Dream Vault Overview: The Dream Vault is a network-enabled set of lockers designed to provide residents with a week’s supply of fresh fruits and vegetables. Eligible households can access the free produce by entering a unique code to open the locker.
• Target Audience: The program serves over 275 households and about 1,000 residents in the surrounding community, ensuring access to nutritious food without cost barriers.
• Location: The Dream Vault was installed at Walgreens’ Gage Park location at 55th and Kedzie Avenue on October 22. Households within a 1-mile radius of the store are eligible to participate in the program.

Food Insecurity in Gage Park

• Statistics: Nearly 21% of residents in the Gage Park neighborhood lack reliable access to healthy food, making this initiative crucial for improving health outcomes in the area.

Quotes:

• Dion Dawson, Founder of Dion’s Chicago Dream:
  “My vision is that our Dream Vault participants never have to choose between eating healthy and buying their medication, or any other basic need.”
• Tracey Brown, EVP and President of Walgreens Retail:
  “By collaborating with local organizations like Dion’s Chicago Dream, we aim to make a lasting impact and foster a healthier, more vibrant community for everyone.”

Expansion and Legacy

• The Dream Vault was first launched in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood at Save A Lot and has now expanded to Walgreens as part of its ongoing community support efforts.
• Walgreens’ Commitment: As a Chicago-based health and well-being company, Walgreens has been providing essential services like prescriptions and wellness products for nearly 125 years. This partnership underscores their commitment to fostering healthier communities.

About Walgreens

• Headquarters: Deerfield, Illinois
• Retail Locations: Nearly 9,000 stores across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
• Ranking: Walgreens is ranked No. 6 on the 2024 PG 100, Progressive Grocer’s list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America.