Open Hand Chicago was originally founded in 1988.[1] It was co-founded by Chicago AIDS activists including Lori Cannon, James Cappleman, Greg Harris, and Tom Tunney. Using San Francisco's Project Open Hand as a model, Open Hand Chicago delivered 41,476 meals in its first year.[2][3]
Open Hand Chicago began as a food delivery service for people with HIV/AIDS. It expanded into a food pantry.[4] In 2011 it became part of Heartland Alliance[5][6][7] and then became Vital Bridges Food Program as part of the consolidation of Chicago Community Response, Open Hand Chicago, and The HIV Coalition.[8]
In 1994 Open Hand Chicago was inducted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame.[9]
