Ubuntu by Yado
Yado's community giving program
Ubuntu by Yado
“I am because we are.” A taste of home for families who need it most, and support for the African and Caribbean community that built our store.
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What Ubuntu means to us
Ubuntu is a Southern African idea that has a place in every African home: a person is a person through other people. We are a Black, African women-owned market on 87th Street in Chicago, and our customers are family to us. Many of them came here from Lagos, Accra, Douala, Kingston or Port-au-Prince, and we know how much it means to cook a meal that tastes like home.
Ubuntu by Yado is how we give back: food and care packages for newcomers and families going through a hard time, and support for the organizations, students and community groups who keep our culture strong.
Taste of Home Kits
Each month we pack free kits of African staples and everyday care items for families who need them. We share them through partner organizations and through nominations from our community. Kits can be picked up at our Chicago store or shipped anywhere in the U.S.
Kitchen kit
Tomato paste, bouillon cubes, seasoning, ogi (pap) for breakfast, mackerel in tomato sauce, plantain chips and a snack for the kids.
Self-care kit
African black soap, a bar of everyday soap, an African net sponge, pure shea butter and a toothbrush.
Ubuntu by Yado launches in October 2026. We'll share how many kits we've delivered here as the program grows.
Know someone who could use a taste of home?
Tell us about a neighbor, friend or family member who is struggling to put food on the table, or who just arrived and misses home. You can also nominate yourself. Every nomination stays private.
Community programs
For student associations
African and Caribbean student associations get 10% off for members, and we can help supply food for culture nights. Ask your association for the code, or email us.
For community associations
Members of African and Caribbean community, cultural and professional associations get 10% off through their organization.
Celebrating our culture
We share free guides to African and Caribbean food, and spotlight the restaurants, cooks and creators who keep our traditions alive.
Partner with Ubuntu by Yado
Are you a refugee or immigrant service organization, a community association, a church, a school or a student group serving African and Caribbean families? We'd love to work with you, whether that's Taste of Home Kits for the families you serve, food for an event, or a member discount.
Let's work together
Email us with your organization's name and how you'd like to partner.
info@yadomarket.comOr visit us at 1651 E 87th St, Chicago, IL 60617 · 872-802-4724
Ubuntu by Yado is a community giving program of Yado African & Caribbean Market. It is not a registered charity, and we do not accept donations. Kits are limited each month and given at our discretion.