Food.
Sustainability.
Community.

 

The Takeout 25 Community Cookbook

In every vibrant community, food does more than nourish—it connects, celebrates, and defines us. At Takeout 25, what started in 2020 as a grassroots response to a moment of crisis has blossomed into a thriving community effort to support our local food businesses. Takeout 25 turns 5 in 2025 and with over 17,000 members today it has demonstrated what can be accomplished when a community comes together. To commemorate five years of building community through food, we are proud to introduce the Takeout 25 Community Cookbook, launching on our anniversary November 17, 2025—just in time for the holiday season.

Takeout 25 empowers communities to support local food businesses while prioritizing sustainability and eliminating food insecurity. Our aim is to build thriving and sustainable communities.

 

Serving Oak Park and its Neighbors:

  • Austin/Galewood

  • Berwyn

  • Elmwood Park

  • Forest Park

  • River Forest

  • Cicero

Read the Takeout 25 Story

The Takeout 25 Effect is an inspiring account of a community-driven initiative, with lasting impact. Formed in Chicago’s western suburbs during the global pandemic, Takeout 25 aimed to save local restaurants while maintaining public health. It demonstrates the power of community-centric movements by illustrating the journey of Takeout 25 through compelling personal narratives, expert insights, and actionable strategies. This book is not just a recounting of events; it is a call to action for anyone motivated to make a difference in their community and beyond. In fact, it is a toolkit for social change.

Partnerships & Participation

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Buy Takeout 25 Boxed Water. It’s water with a purpose.

By buying boxed water, you can:

  • Reduce use of plastics

  • Support local businesses

  • Stay healthy 

Get it at Carnival Grocery and ask for it at local retailers, your fitness center and area restaurants.

Thank you to West Cook YMCA, Carnival Grocery, Pillar Financial Advisors and Oak Park Apartments for your support!

 

Takeout 25 in the News

  • NBC 5

    Organizers of “Takeout 25 Oak Park” tell NBC 5 if approximately half of Oak Park’s households spend $25 dollars a week on takeout, it would add up to $1 million to the pockets of area businesses.

    Watch

  • WGN's Outside the Loop Podcast

    Mike Stephen learns about the expansion of Takeout 25 to include Austin and Galewood from creator and Oak Park trustee Ravi Parakkat. Segment is 10 minutes long and starts ~8 minutes into the program.

    Listen

  • Chicago Tribune

    Takeout 25 has saved local restaurants in Oak Park. Now it’s flexing its spending muscle across the Chicago border, in Austin.


    Read

 

Support your local community today!

“Takeout 25 gave the community hope and validated the power of deliberate collective action. While the pandemic is still very much with us it appears that we’ve had fewer restaurant closings than other communities.”

— Don Harmon (Illinois State Senator)