Patchwerkz Chicago, NFP, is a registered 501 (c) (3) organization established as an outgrowth of Sweet Potato Patch Chicago, which was founded in 2017 and formally launched in 2020. Sweet Potato Patch Chicago, Inc. operates as a food sciences company, focused on leveraging food as a primary means to address chronic illnesses within under-resourced communities. Our research shows that alterations at the cellular level, specifically the reduction of telomeres on human chromosomes, are associated with increased rates of aging and a higher susceptibility to chronic diseases. We believe that by increasing these populations' access to plant-based, medicinal foods and ingredients, we can lead the way to improving symptoms of chronic illness with less addictive substances.

Social determinants of health and health equity are community-based topics often related to populations in areas referred to as “food deserts.” A food desert is defined as an area with limited access to healthy food options necessary for supporting well-being. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many locations considered food deserts were also identified as medical and pharmaceutical deserts, showing irregularities in health equity and proving how social factors affect overall health.

Since 2018, our organizations have provided practical solutions to address food-related challenges before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and periods of food shortage. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, nations across the globe have met significant difficulties related to food supply shortages. Our organization develops culturally relevant and accepted nutritious meals using science-based, research-driven recipes and meal plans that utilize farm-to-table food product sources from local and disadvantaged American farmers.