Introduction to the Egg Giveaway
Egg prices in Chicago have hit a staggering $9 per carton, costing more than a pack of beef. For many families, eggs are a household staple—one they can no longer afford. That’s why Pastor Charlie E. Dates is stepping in to help.
On Saturday, March 15, the senior pastor of Progressive Chicago and Salem Baptist Church of Chicago will lead a massive effort to distribute 40,000 eggs across multiple locations in the city.
“The President promised prices would drop on day one, but instead, they’ve only soared. We’re not waiting on him or anyone else to fix this,” Pastor Dates said. “The Black church has always stood in the gap for Black families, ensuring they have what they need to thrive. We did it before, and we’re doing it now.”
The giveaway comes as egg prices remain high due to the ongoing bird flu crisis, placing another burden on families already struggling with rising grocery bills.
Pastor Dates and his congregations aim to provide immediate relief while upholding the Black church’s legacy of community support.
Egg Giveaway Details
Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
Time: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Locations:
- Progressive Chicago: 47th & the Dan Ryan, 55th & the Dan Ryan, and 35th & King Drive
- Salem Chicago: 87th & the Dan Ryan and 108th & Michigan
Pastor Dates urges families to arrive early, as demand is expected to be high.
‘We Are the People in Need, and They Are Us’
As a lifelong South Side resident and Morgan Park High School alumnus, Pastor Dates understands the struggles facing Chicago families.
“Have you been to the grocery store? It’s hard in there, and it’s even harder on struggling families,” he said. “Historically, the Black church has always been the primary institution to care for marginalized people. It just so happens that it’s close to Easter, and there is a sense in which Easter and eggs go together. We’re able to bless families in need, many of whom rely on eggs as a primary source of protein. We’re meeting that need and hopefully pointing to a deeper need—the need for hope.”
For Dates, this is about more than food—it’s about dignity.
“This effort puts food on tables,” he said. “But more than that, it tells families that they matter, that there are people who see them and won’t wait for someone else to fix these problems.”
The Power of Dignity in Giving
For Pastor Dates, how people receive help matters just as much as the help itself.
“Sometimes, a person’s humanity is lost when they stand in need. We want to restore that,” he said. “We do this because people are made in the image and likeness of God. We are, in a real sense, our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.”
When asked how he secured 40,000 eggs, Dates had a simple response:
“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof. God gave us grace. And, well, we bought them.”
He added that the church community stepped up to make this possible. “Our churches are sacrificing to make this happen. The resources to purchase these eggs didn’t drop out of thin air. People have given above and beyond to make this happen.”
A Mission That Goes Beyond a Single Event
This giveaway is just one part of a broader effort.
“When people are at the bottom, they need to know there’s a rock at the bottom—and that rock is Christ Jesus,” Dates said. “One day, He will ask, ‘Did you feed me when I was hungry? Did you clothe me when I was naked? Did you visit me while I was in prison?’ And I hope that we can answer, ‘Yes, we did.’”
How to Support the Effort
The giveaway is fully staffed, but there are still ways to help.
“People who align with our values are welcome to contribute,” Dates said. “It’s not just about money—there are future opportunities to join us in service as we continue to meet the needs of our community.”
Before the eggs reach families, church members will spend Friday, March 14, preparing. Volunteers will work shifts from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at House of Hope (752 E. 114th Street), cartoning and organizing eggs for distribution.
About the Author
Tacuma Roeback, Managing Editor
Tacuma R. Roeback is the Managing Editor for the Chicago Defender.
His journalism, non-fiction, and fiction have appeared in the Smithsonian Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Tennessean, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Phoenix New Times, HipHopDX.com, Okayplayer.com, The Shadow League, SAGE: The Encyclopedia of Identity, Downstate Story, Tidal Basin Review, and Reverie: Midwest African American Literature.
He is an alumnus of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, Chicago State University, and Florida A&M University.
Conclusion
The egg giveaway is a testament to the power of community and the Black church’s legacy of support. Pastor Dates and his congregations are providing immediate relief to families struggling with rising egg prices, while also upholding the values of dignity and hope. This effort is just one part of a broader mission to meet the needs of the community and provide a sense of hope and support to those who need it most.
FAQs
Q: When is the egg giveaway?
A: The egg giveaway will take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Q: Where are the giveaway locations?
A: The giveaway locations are:
- Progressive Chicago: 47th & the Dan Ryan, 55th & the Dan Ryan, and 35th & King Drive
- Salem Chicago: 87th & the Dan Ryan and 108th & Michigan
Q: How can I support the effort?
A: You can support the effort by contributing financially or volunteering your time to help with future events and services.
Q: Who is organizing the giveaway?
A: The giveaway is being organized by Pastor Charlie E. Dates and his congregations at Progressive Chicago and Salem Baptist Church of Chicago.
