Sheila Kennedy

Sheila Kennedy is the Executive Director and co-founder of Top Box Foods, a non-profit organization dedicated to making healthy food more affordable and accessible to underserved communities. Alongside her husband, Chris Kennedy, she has played a pivotal role in the organization since its inception in 2012. Top Box Foods operates by partnering with local organizations to deliver grocery boxes containing fresh produce, meats, and other essentials to areas with limited food access, particularly targeting low-income neighborhoods in Chicago and Louisiana.12

Kennedy's background includes a strong commitment to social justice and community service, influenced by her upbringing. Her mother worked as a social worker for 25 years, which instilled in her the values of compassion and community support.1 Sheila has also served on the board of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, further emphasizing her dedication to improving food security.1

Sheila holds a degree from Northwestern University School of Law and has extensive experience in strategic and program development within the food access sector. Under her leadership, Top Box Foods has significantly expanded its reach, serving over 96,000 households in 2021 alone, which highlights the organization's impact during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.23