April 24, 2024 Edition

Chicago’s Shame?

Iam excited to share with you the Field Foundation of Illinois’ “Healing Illinois” grant initiative, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Services. This unique grant is designed to fund projects that advocate for and promote racial healing and equity. Through funded activities that include intentional spaces for collective healing, inclusive of storytelling and discussions, the project aims to foster interracial community-building, knowledge-sharing, and deeper interpersonal interactions.

However, the reality is that we must embrace equality by first believing it to be possible and demonstrate racial equality through our daily interactions and behaviors. In tandem with other “Healing Illinois” grantees, Chicago News Weekly (CNW) embraces narrative change and other efforts to build awareness of racial healing and justice work in our communities, and to amplify true narratives that build understanding and empathy for the communities most impacted by systemic racism.

Under the auspices of the Field’s “Journalism & Storytelling” portfolio, the initiative is positioned as two distinct projects – one about segregation and the other about the migrant crisis.

Here's more about each project.

Segregation Reporting Project

Filmmaker and artist in residence at the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University, Bruce Orenstein, completed a five-part documentary series called “Shame of Chicago: The Segregation of an American City,” which sheds light on intentional systemic segregation created by some of Chicago's leading minds. The series reveals the untold story of how Chicago and its suburbs devised the nation’s most sweeping system of racially segregated communities, which has diminished the lives of generations of Black families, creating the vast racial wealth gap that persists to this day.

The series continues to broadcast on Chicago’s public television station WTTW in April 2024, in combination with national distribution on PBS and a social impact campaign. If you have not seen it, please make it a priority to do so. You will walk away as an informed

Chicagoan with greater insight to better understand our responsibility to impart this historical phenomenon, not to harbor anger but to ensure intelligent, robust discourse on this disturbing truth, its impact, and potential solutions for the future.

Migrant Crisis Reporting Project

Since August 2022, headlines have blasted the arrival of more than 30,000 migrants in Chicago, leaving Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration overwhelmed with sheltering efforts and in conflict with city aldermen and underserved communities. The city has passed new ordinances to address this crisis, often creating more challenges through trial and error. Meanwhile, the state of Illinois has responded with $160 million to help with migrant housing. A partnership between the city, state, and federal governments has launched a pilot project to allow asylum-seeking migrants who arrived in the U.S. before July 31 to apply for work permits. Meanwhile, migrants continue to arrive.

This presidential election year, overshadowed by the migrant crisis, has exposed disparities between Chicago’s diverse communities, particularly underserved communities, sparking tensions between the city’s Black and Latinx populations. Black neighborhoods that have suffered for decades from a lack of investment reject the housing of migrants in their communities, arguing that the city should prioritize support programs in those neighborhoods before expending resources on non-voting migrant residents. Established immigrants also express concerns about fairness, as new arrivals become eligible for work permits while those who have waited for years are still waiting. Field Foundation chose to collaborate with five news organizations in Chicago to produce impactful news coverage on these entrenched issues, with project management by Public Narrative, a Chicago-based supporter of community-oriented journalism. Chicago News Weekly is proud to share that we were one of the five media groups selected to delve into these issues and propose solutions that consider the perspectives

of diverse Chicagoans, from residents to policymakers.

Chicago News Weekly chose to explore the issue of food deserts through the lens of segregation, with the title “When Separate Equals Hungry: The Insidious Effects of Segregation on Inner-City Communities.”

Segregation contributes to multitude of negative outcomes, of which one is the pervasiveness of hunger in certain communities. It is well-established that segregated African American or Latinx communities often suffer most from this experience. What we aim to explore and examine is the direct impact that food scarcity has on these communities, including its effects on their ability to develop, prosper, and evolve into thriving communities.

We will delve into why these communities frequently live in areas designated as food deserts and how we can initiate the transformation and healing process so that everybody has enough healthy and quality food to eat.

Story 1 establishes the premise of the food desert, identifying and profiling them as being largely in segregated, underserved communities.

Story 2 offers solutions currently in place and those on the horizon to foster informed, healthy, and thriving communities by addressing the food desert crisis.

Our resulting stories will be published in conjunction with the April 2024 documentary premiere of “Shame of Chicago: The Segregation of an American City.”

You will find our contribution in the following pages along with supporting articles posted online on April 22, and in our print publication on April 24. Additionally, look for other articles online or in print in the Chicago Defender, South Side Weekly, Borderless Magazine, and the Investigative Project for Reporting Equity.

photo credit: Dot Ward

By Cheryl Mainor Norman Publisher

Passages: Saying Farewell to Two Legends Remembering Karen Yarbrough and Robert (Bob) Dale

Karen Yarbrough

Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough, a pioneering politician who engineered new paths for women and underserved communities, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 73.

Yarbrough was a longtime powerhouse in state and local politics, known for strengthening civic engagement in the western suburbs where she lived with her surviving husband, Henderson.

Before her illustrious political career, Yarbrough earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Chicago State University, a master’s degree in Inner City Studies from Northeastern Illinois University, and completed an advanced leadership studies program at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

In 2018, Yarbrough made history as the first Black person and first woman elected to the clerk’s position. Prior to that, she served in various elected roles for over two decades, including as the county’s Recorder of Deeds and a state representative.

A committed Democrat, Yarbrough was deeply involved in party politics, working for both the Cook County Democratic Party and the Democratic Party of Illinois. She represented west suburban Proviso Township as a Democratic committeeperson and treasurer, also serving on the state central committee for the Illinois party.

Beginning her career as a licensed real estate broker and founder of Hathaway Insurance Agency, Yarbrough’s dedication to public service was influenced by her family legacy—Don Williams, her father, was a longtime realtor in Maywood and the town’s second Black mayor. Her husband also became Maywood’s mayor later on. In 2000, she won the 7th District seat in the Illinois House of Representatives, later becoming assistant majority leader during her 12-year tenure. Yarbrough was instrumental in abolishing capital punishment in Illinois in 2011. She then successfully ran for the county’s Recorder of Deeds position in 2012, following in the footsteps of local political giant Eugene “Gene” Moore. After a cost-saving merger with the recorder’s office in 2018, she took over as head of the clerk’s office.

Yarbrough emphasized her passion for assisting constituents during her time in elected office, noting the importance of people-driven governance.

“I think people get energy from other people,” Yarbrough told the Sun-Times, in a 2020 interview.

Respected by her peers and staff, Yarbrough's impact extended far beyond her Maywood community, with Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs referring to her as a "towering figure" in the Democratic Party. Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi praised Yarbrough’s legacy in a statement, highlighting her dedication to public service, especially in support of veterans.

Yarbrough’s commitment to her work, constituents, and the Democratic Party will be deeply missed.

Robert J. Dale

Robert (Bob) J. Dale was the founder and CEO of R.J.Dale Advertising & Public Relations. His legacy reaches far, and touched so many businesses both in Chicago, and across the nation as his agency was one of the few but mighty pioneer agencies that focused on advertising and marketing that focused on the Black consumer. This was no small undertaking in the days prior to what is now called Multiculturalism, telling the stories of Black Americans was specialized, and a necessity. R.J. Dale Advertising and Public Relations excelled in its work. Founded in 1979, R.J.Dale carried as its mission to bring a unique approach to African American advertising and was consistently ranked among the leading black owned agencies by BlackEnterprise Magazine. It's practice focused on general market and segment specific programs. RJ Dale Advertising made history by becoming the first African American ad agency to win the Illinois State Lottery general market account. Bob served on the boards of the Chicago State University College of Business, the Black Public Relations Society, the March of Dimes Foundation, the Black Ensemble Theatre, Chairman of th eBoard of Institute of Positive Education, the Association of Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs as well as the Chairman of th eBoard of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce. Bob was also a professor at Chicago State University and was inducted into the Business School Hall of Fame. He was a committed life member of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Bob proudly served this country as an Airmen in the U.S. Air Force and held his BS from Arizona State University and his M.B.A from Stanford University.

Bob's Legacy will be remembered by all who knew him. His commitment to Black people and business, his dedication to his community and his unwavering love for his family and friends will forever be cherished.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Cathy, his Sons, Kondo, Yusuf, Kareem, Damon as well as his brother Jerome , his seven grand children and his great grand daughter. Chicago News Weekly honors the legacy of these two great Chicagoans, and offer our sincerest condolences to the families of Karen Yarbrough and Bob Dale.

By Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson

Setbacks can be inevitable threads in the intricate tapestry of life. Yet, it is not the adversity itself but our response to it that defines our journey. For women, the labyrinth of challenges and setbacks can be formidable obstacles or stepping stones to greatness. In this week's column, we delve into the essence of resilience and the power of a growth mindset in transforming setbacks into strengths.

I've understood that resilience is the cornerstone of a woman's journey. It represents the unwavering heartbeat that pulses through every triumph and trial. Resilience helps women weather storms with grace, it helps professionals and entrepreneurs navigate uncharted territories, and it helps a survivor rise from the ashes of adversity.

Regardless of who you are or the heights you may have reached, setbacks are an inevitable part of life's intricate

dance encompassing highs and lows, twists, and turns. Yet, women often discover their greatest strength in the face of adversity. The setback ignites the flame of resilience within, propelling us forward with renewed determination and purpose.

At the heart of resilience lies a growth mindset, which represents an unwavering belief in the power of possibility and growth potential. Consequently, women with a growth mindset understand that setbacks are not roadblocks but detours on the path to success. A growth mindset embraces challenges as opportunities for learning and development, viewing failure not as a selection of their abilities but as stepping stones toward greatness. Turning setbacks into strengths is a transformative process, an alchemy of resilience, perseverance, and unwavering faith. It is the resilience of a woman who refuses to be defined by her past, the strength of a woman who harnesses her

setback as a catalyst for growth, and the resilience of a woman who emerges from the ashes of adversity more robust and more resilient than ever.

Strategies for Growth; Cultivating Resilience:

Practice Adaptability: Embrace flexibility and adaptability even in the face of change and uncertainty.

Foster Gratitude: Focus on the positive aspects of your life to cultivate a mindset of gratitude. Gratitude can help shift your perspective and build resilience by reminding you of the abundance and blessings in your life.

Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals that challenge you without overwhelming you. Try breaking them into smaller, more manageable goals, and learn to celebrate progress.

Practice Self-Care: Taking care of yourself is essential for building resilience and overcoming life challenges. Prior-

By Zada Johnson, Ph.D. Contributing Writer

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’

From Setbacks to Strength: Women’s Resilience and Growth Art & culture

itize self-care to nurture your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Make time for activities that recharge and rejuvenate you, whether in nature, in a hobby, or simply relaxing with a good book.

In the tapestry of womanhood, setbacks are not a sign of weakness but rather threads of resilience woven into the fabric of our journey. By embracing resilience and cultivating a growth mindset, women can transform setbacks into strengths, emerging from adversity stronger, wiser, and more resilient than ever before. Let us rise stronger, united by the unwavering belief in our collective power to overcome adversity and thrive.

Purpose Shines with Heartfelt Brilliance at Steppenwolf

Purpose was a 2015 commission from the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, a theater Branden Jacobs-Jenkins accurately describes as “the only real actor-based brand we have in this country.” The theater has a particular affinity with the play’s writer, said Glenn Davis, Steppenwolf's co-artistic director, “because he has the ability to write for anyone.”

Extended through May by popular demand, the world premiere of “Purpose” at the Steppenwolf Theatre has been arguably one of the most powerful plays running this the season. Award-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins does not hold back as he reaches deep into the layers of family drama to provide an often hilarious but also heart-wrenching portrayal of generational legacy.

The play is set in the Chicago home of the Jaspers, an influential African-American family headed by Civil Rights Movement icon Solomon Jasper and his wife Claudine. The Jaspers are gathering to celebrate Claudine’s birthday but also the homecoming of eldest son Junior, a disgraced senator recently released from prison for embezzlement. The family attempts to maintain a celebratory mood, but Junior’s wife will soon be facing her own prison sentence related to her husband’s charges. If this storyline sounds familiar, it's because it

is presents similar circumstances to those experienced by former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. and wife Sandi Jackson’s, who were indicted in 2013 for the misuse of campaign funds. But it is not their story.

The play is narrated by youngest son Nazareth, who has departed from the family’s political and religious legacy to pursue a career as a wandering nature photographer. Deemed by his mother as her “weird son,” Nazareth has his own struggles with family expectations and acceptance. When he returns to Chicago with an uninvited friend, the family dinner becomes explosive as the Jaspers have to face their multi-layered, intergenerational trauma.

The genius of this family drama resonates around its brilliant writing. Jacobs-Jenkins cleverly destabilizes sometimes rigid traditional notions of Black family and Black excellence while he interrogates the way these notions have often marginalized alternate narratives of sexual identity, mental health, and neurodivergence. At the same time that the play deals with these very serious issues, it still manages to be laugh-out-loud funny, particularly in the first act as Nazareth introduces the audience to the quirks of the Jasper family with biting wit. Jacobs-Jenkins’ dialogue also shines throughout the play. The discussion between characters set against Nazareth’s interpretation of events offers a prime op-

portunity to see beneath the layers of the family’s stately outward appearance. This juxtaposition serves as a metaphor for the many layers in our own families and the ways that we struggle to work through them.

Along with the direction of the play by the iconic Phylicia Rashad, “Purpose” is also brimming with star power from its cast. Jon Michael Hill dazzles as Nazareth with sharp comedic timing and compelling dramatic range. Chicago-born film and TV legend Harry Lennix brings depth to Solomon Jasper as the character contemplates his legacy as a civil rights leader and father. Steppenwolf newcomer Tamara Tunie’s motherly Claudine provides the driving force behind many of the laughs in the first act along with Alana Arenas as the embittered daughter-in-law Morgan. Glenn Davis delivers a convincing performance as the self-absorbed and politically dubious Junior. Ayanna Bakari brings the hopeful voice of the millennial generation to life as dinner guest Aziza, pushing back against the rigid worldviews she encounters in the Jasper family.

With its astounding range of emotional depth and critical attention to modern-day social issues, “Purpose” is a definite must-see before it most likely makes its way to Broadway. “Purpose” runs through May 12 at Steppenwolf’s Downstairs Theater, 1650 N. Halsted St. Tickets on sale at steppenwolf.org.

By Laura Miller Staff Writer

When Separate Equals Hungry -- Part 1 A Long Walk to Health

Internally, the body feels weak, the desire for food is high, irritability intensifies, anxiety increases, and lethargy surfaces. This happens to the human body when it hasn’t received the proper nourishment it needs. Imagine having to experience these physical issues, but externally, having to function as a student or at work in a modern and wealthy country like America. This is what hunger can look like in the U.S. It may be less severe than what is seen in third-world countries, but the lingering effects over time have stark similarities.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one in five Americans is food insecure. In Chicago alone, the nation’s third-largest city, there are more than 500,000 residents who fit that designation. Food insecurity is measured by the availability and access to healthy and nutritional food. Studies show unequivocally that food security in Chicago differs by zip code and thereby by skin color, given how segregated the Windy City is.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, food insecurity is highest among residents in neighborhoods where more than 25 percent of the population lives on incomes below the federal poverty line. The majority of these residents are also Black and brown.

The lack of healthy food options is not a singular problem in Chicago but one that direly affects residents in many areas of the city and cuts to the heart of redressing historic issues of segregation and inequality.

Multiple Definitions of a Common Problem

Many terms have been used to describe Americans who are hungry and the places where they live. These terms include Food Deserts, Food Insecurity, and even Food Apartheid. The fact remains that with the rising cost of inflation and the lack of adequate nutritional options in various communities in Chicago, we are potentially facing a more aggressive health crisis. To better understand the problem, it’s best to identify the terminology used to define the issue.

Food Insecurity – the condition of not having access to sufficient food, or food of adequate quality, to meet one's basic needs.

Food Desert – an urban area in which it is difficult to buy affordable or good-quality fresh food.

Food Apartheid – is a system of segregation that divides those with access to an abundance of nutritious food and those who have been denied that access due to systemic injustice. (This definition was coined by food activist Karen

available.”

“Many times, neighborhoods that are struggling socioeconomically don’t have strong economic engines or hubs,” she continued. “So, it’s not a surprise that those are the neighborhoods that are going to be challenged with being able to get basic resources. To the extent that there are things that are servicing those neighborhoods, but they are discounted, they are lower quality.”

“The word desert is thrown out a lot, it doesn’t just mean that there is no supermarket there,” she clarified. “It might also mean the quality of food that is being presented is of poor nutrition.”

The Income Barrier

Separation by race is not new to Chicagoans. The wealth gap is not new to Chicagoans. So, differences in Chicagoans food access should come as no surprise to anyone. There are sharp contrasts in access to services, infrastructure, quality hospitals, food, and many other basic human needs. Through one lens, it would be easy to believe that these

Washington in 2018.)

Hunger – is a feeling of discomfort or weakness caused by lack of food, coupled with the desire to eat.

According to Audra Wilson, a lawyer at the Shriver Center on Poverty Law who also sits on the Illinois Commission to End Hunger, “Poverty and food deserts in communities of color often go hand and hand. More often than not, when you have poverty that is concentrated in specific areas, if you are looking at the general vicinity where people are living, you can see what sort of amenities are

problems are based on capitalism. What is buried underneath is over a century’s worth of segregation that began during the Great Migration in the early 1900s and still continues.

A Long Walk to Health

In Chicago, not all necessities are equally accessible. While some residents can walk to the grocery store in as little as five minutes, others may have to walk for as long as 45 minutes. Chicago embodies a paradox—a city professing a com-

Food Deserts are loaded with Fake Fresh unhealthy foods

mitment to inclusivity while perpetuating segregation. Its population comprises a nearly equal mix of white, Black, and Latinx residents, yet access to resources and habitable living spaces remains segregated along racial and socioeconomic lines. The legacy of segregation in Chicago extends far beyond physical boundaries, manifesting itself in stark disparities between neighborhoods in terms of their crime rates, health outcomes, and food accessibility. These disparities, in turn, suppress the social and economic growth of the Black community in Chicago.

Imagine walking through the streets of Auburn Gresham or Englewood after a long day at work, trying to find a place where you can find healthy food to feed your family within less than a 60-minute distance. The walk itself is filled with broken bottles, a few abandoned buildings, dialysis treatment centers, liquor stores, and churches, providing a view of a redemptive and redeemable but challenging environment.

Residents who live in these areas don’t see it this way, because while these things are visible, there are also touches of painted murals and Black pride that provide the glimmer of hope necessary to keep walking or commuting long enough just to serve enough green vegetables on the dinner table to ensure a balanced diet. The culturally rich aspect of Black and Brown Chicago is hard to see for nonresidents through a capitalistic lens because the condition of the homes, bungalows, brownstones, and apartments in Black and Brown neighborhoods does not resemble those in predominantly white neighborhoods.

Arles Jones, a resident in the Ashburn neighborhood, has to travel from his residence to Evergreen Park’s Meijer Grocery store once a month. His deacon provides him a ride to the store, which is 20 blocks (2.6 miles) and a 56-minute walking distance away from his home. His deacon also aids him in carrying the groceries to his home. Jones, like a percentage of the residents in Ashburn, is disabled and unable to work.

As a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and fixed income recipient, once his resources are depleted, he cannot return to the store for his strict no-processed high-protein diet suggested by his physician. When asked if Jones could afford transportation or take the bus, he confirmed, “I could take the bus or use transportation, but I would have to carry all the things I need on the way

back and I wouldn’t be able to make it because the trip is too long.”

Jones’s story, while nuanced, is not very different from many others within the city limits. Chicago News Weekly (CNW) spoke with Airrion Purvis, a community leader and longtime Altgeld Gardens resident, who shared a similar story.

“Walmart offers the closest grocery store by distance (less than three miles), but if you don’t have your own transportation, that is a challenge,” Purvis said. “In comparison to having a branch store, like Rosebud Incorporated, which used to be within the community. You have to catch the bus from 95th to go to 111th, then wait on a bus there to get to Walmart.”

According to various sources, including government reports and community assessments, the following Chicago neighborhoods have historically been identified as food deserts:

• Englewood

• Austin

• North Lawndale

• West Englewood

• South Shore

• Roseland

• West Pullman

• Grand Boulevard

• Auburn Gresham

• Humboldt Park

• Washington Park

• Woodlawn

• South Chicago

• West Garfield Park

• Riverdale

Have the residents in these communities reached a point of complacency that changes won’t occur? Or has there ever been a time since African Americans migrated to Chicago and were subjected to the “Black Belt” that they didn’t believe that the promise of a better life in their neighborhoods would come to fruition?

Then vs. Now

In the 1960s, Virginia Olive relocated to the North Side from the Henry Horner Homes, a defunct Chicago Housing Authority public housing project on the near West Side where she had grown up. Later on, she moved to the northern suburbs for better safety and education for her children.

When asked about what life looked like before she left her West Side community, she said, “Growing up on the West Side of Chicago, I took for granted the various stores and businesses that once thrived in my neighborhood. From Black-owned grocery stores to restaurants, a laundromat, and a record store, these amenities were a part of my daily life.”

However, the loss of these businesses has had a profound impact on the community.

“Not only have we lost a sense of safety, but we've also had to rely on longer commutes for essential needs,” Olive said. “The loss of these businesses has left a void in our community that is still felt today.”

According to Airrion Purvis, the South Side community leader and co-founder

of LLQ Hood Legend LLC, “There used to be two different doctor’s offices, grocery stores (produce and meat selections), and a functioning school system from K-12.”

“You don’t have the same accessibility” now, he said. “Those things have been replaced by something that doesn’t fit in the slot. We have a brand-new cultural center, but there is no food out here.”

For many individuals, the daily struggle revolves around compromising their access to fresh produce and wholesome food, often settling for artificial and processed options available at local convenience stores. In these neighborhoods, the majority of residents lack access to healthier alternatives.

“A child wakes up with hunger pains and goes to the corner store and gets two bags of Flamin' Hots for the cost of two for a dollar and a juice, for breakfast. It quiets the stomach from buzzing,” Purvis said. “Children don’t know what it’s doing to them, they know it’s quieting their stomach pains long enough until lunch.”

Moreover, the few options that do emerge are short-lived, with business closures attributed to declining sales, increasing shrink rates, and patrons purchasing less compared to more affluent areas, resulting in minimal profit margins.

By the Numbers

Take one food insecure neighborhood, for example. According to the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP Illinois), the Riverdale neighborhood is 96 percent African American, and 58.2 percent of its residents have a median income of less than $25,000 annually.

Digging deeper, 43 percent of those residents also do not have access to a vehicle. This means that almost half of Riverdale does not have the autonomy to purchase groceries on their own schedule but would have to do so via a delivery service or by taking public transit. Consequently, they have access to fewer grocery options and are forced to rely on quick, short-term food choices. If they do choose to walk the long distance to a grocery store, residents struggle with the fear of walking through a neighborhood that has a lower police presence and a higher crime rate than other neighborhoods.

Poor Health and the Risk Factors Associated with a Poor Diet

Obesity and Food Insecurity

Experts highlight the lack of healthy food available in food deserts, emphasizing the prevalence of highly processed, sugar-laden options instead. This issue,

often dubbed the "Hot Cheetos Generation," is exacerbated by the gut's outsized importance for overall health and links poor nutrition with long-term health conditions ranging from diabetes to depression. The consequences of poor nutrition have grown over the years as a result of changes in business practices and dietary shifts.

Impact of Processed Foods

According to certified wellness coach Iris Nichole Patterson, “Processed foods, laden with hidden sodium and sugar, pose significant health risks.” She warns about the dangers of trans fats and the misleading labeling of many processed food products. Dr. Gerald Cook, another expert on nutrition’s health impacts, stresses the negative effects of sugar-heavy diets on cognitive function and physical performance.

“The short-term effects include sluggishness and fatigue. If [a person] has any other predispositions, they can experience pain or headaches based on the quality of the food,” he said. It’s much harder to digest certain foods, and if you’re a recreational athlete, you’re just not yourself. You want to play, but your body is working.”

The Body's Healing Potential

Despite these challenges, the body possesses remarkable regenerative abilities. Switching to a plant-based diet can yield rapid improvements in pain management and overall well-being. However, sustainable change requires a genuine desire for wellness and ongoing support from others, including coaching on meal planning and lifestyle adjustments.

“It’s an environmental issue,” said Patterson, the nutritionist. “Most of the children in these food deserts have single mothers, which means she’s short on time, potentially stressed at work, and doesn’t have the energy required to feed her family a healthy balanced diet.”

Promoting Health through Simplicity/ The Healthy Food Trick

Living more simply, prioritizing sleep, and adopting intermittent fasting can aid in the body's natural detoxification and healing processes, according to experts. By redefining our relationship with food and embracing holistic approaches to health, they say individuals can pave the way for lasting well-being.

However, simplicity today comes with a price. What was once considered normal—produce free of harmful or poisonous pesticides and rot-retardant chemicals—is now marketed as organically grown. These foods can be purchased at a high cost from Whole Foods, Mariano's, Trader Joe's, and other grocery stores but only at exorbitant prices outside the

budget of the average resident living in a food desert. This makes it difficult for those residents to follow such a diet when they are directed to do so by their physician to improve their health.

The Psychology of a Poor Diet

Behind a very dark and smug curtain, one finds the ramifications of food insecurity within food deserts in ways that are underreported in most stories. While it is understood by most that low access to quality produce and nutritional options can cause exposure to health-related diseases, there’s also a mental health component that contributes to crime, desolation, and irritability among people living in food-insecure neighborhoods.

In a 1994 interview, Tupac Shakur responded to a question regarding the content of his rap lyrics using this reference: “Every day, I'm standing outside trying to sing my way in: 'We are hungry, please let us in.' After about a week, that song is gonna change to: 'We hungry, we need some food.' After two, three weeks, it's like: 'Give me the food, or I'm breaking down the door.' After a year, you're just like: 'I'm picking the lock, coming through the door blasting.'”

The conversations surrounding crime and Chicago’s youth tends towards the pathological, with very little attention on the conditions that underpin the violence. There is a great deal of focus on crime prevention but not why it arises in the first place.

Food Insecurity and Crime

Dr. Alauna Curry, an expert in empathy skills and trauma psychiatry, thinks a lot about the link between food insecurity and mental health.

“When one is experiencing ‘depression,’ these ‘states’ impact the entire body,” she said. “The affected brain controls all areas of the body, so we ‘feel’ our emotions

in our GI tract.”

Regarding survival instincts and behavior, Curry notes: “Our bodies are literally designed for survival. The urges that arise [when we are hungry] are enough to drive a person to insanity.”

On the systemic injustices exacerbating food insecurity, Curry asks use to “consider the cruelty and trauma inherent in being part of a community systematically tormented.”

“Generations of these people had to figure out how to feed their families outside of the legal system,” she said.

In addressing health equity, Curry believes Chicago has a tough road ahead.

“The journey towards good health for Black and Brown residents in Chicago is not without obstacles,” she said. “The term ‘food desert’ fails to capture the full extent of this crisis.”

As we confront the realities of food insecurity in Chicago, it becomes evident that addressing this issue requires more than just increasing the number of grocery stores in underserved areas. It demands a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of inequity, including systemic racism, economic inequality, and the legacy of disinvestment in marginalized communities.

Long-time Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-IL 7th District) is currently involved in the U.S. House of Representatives about the Food Deserts Act, which aims to address food disparities. T

The proposed bill would direct the Secretary of Agriculture to provide grants to support the establishment of grocery stores in underserved areas. Regarding food deserts in Chicago, Davis stated, "Food deserts are regions where people have limited access to healthy and af-

fordable fresh fruits and vegetables.”

“Our children in these communities grow up at a health disadvantage,” he said. “Sometimes children have not even seen an apple.”

Ultimately, achieving health equity requires not only expanding access to nutritious food but also dismantling the structural barriers that perpetuate inequality and marginalization. It requires a collective commitment to social justice and a recognition of the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their zip code or socio-economic status. Only then can we truly create communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Right now, separate still equals hungry in Chicago.

Special Cover Story Project Team: Paul Mainor, Art Direction & Seed Lynn Photographer & Videographer

* This article is part of the Segregation Reporting Project, made possible by a grant from Healing Illinois, an initiative of the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Field Foundation of Illinois that seeks to advance racial healing through storytelling and community collaborations.

The project is inspired by “Shame of Chicago, Shame of a Nation,” a new documentary that addresses the untold legacy of Chicago’s systemic segregation.

Managed by Public Narrative, this endeavor enlisted five local media outlets to produce impactful news coverage on segregation in Chicago while maintaining editorial independence.

By Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-in-Chief

When Separate Equals Hungry -- Part 2 Nourishing Solutions: Addressing Food Deserts in Chicago

Chicago, the city known for its big shoulders and bustling urban population, has long grappled with the issue of food deserts, which encompass vast stretches of Windy City’s 77 community areas. According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Chicago ranks high nationally for the number of food deserts within its municipal boundaries, with around 384,000 Chicagoans, including 127,000 children, living in areas classified as food deserts. These challenges exacerbate health disparities, leading to higher rates of diet-related illnesses within these communities, compounded by factors like high unemployment, low income, and other obstacles that impede community progress. Until this issue is managed and corrected, children will continue growing up hungry and without sufficient access to healthy food.

As previously established in Part 1, several factors contribute to the prevalence of food deserts in Chicago, including historical disinvestment in certain neighborhoods, economic challenges, and transportation barriers. Addressing these issues is essential to creating communities that can thrive.

Current Solutions in Action:

1. Mobile Markets and Food Trucks

Some organizations have introduced mobile markets and food trucks equipped with fresh produce to bring

nutritious options directly to underserved communities. These initiatives help overcome transportation barriers and provide residents with convenient access to healthy food.

According to Charmaine Rickette, president and CEO of Uncle Remus Chicken, she expanded her business by adding a food truck to reach underserved communities lacking access to quality food. She recognized that access isn’t limited to grocery stores and fresh produce but extends to people who want good food within walking distance in their community. "Having the truck gives me the opportunity to go into communities that suffer food scarcity," she said, "and make food accessible."

cess to brand recognition and location.

However, she acknowledges that food retail or wholesale is expensive, which explains why stores leave certain communities without replacements.

“Even a food truck is an arduous task, and it’s seasonal," Rickette said. "It's an expensive investment to start so many [people] bypass that process."

Elizabeth “Liz” Abunaw, the founder and CEO of Forty Acres Fresh Market, was inspired to establish her own grocery store after a visit to Chicago’s West Side, where she noticed the lack of essential services.

“I found myself in a situation on Chicago Avenue, which is a commercial corridor, and I couldn’t find banking, I couldn't find a pharmacy, I could not find a grocery store," she said. "It just

2023, they also began a 21-week market season at the Austin Townhall City Market. Abunaw's goal is to create a Fresh Market Garden experience, collaborating with chefs, cooks, bakers, and food businesses to set up booths at the pop-up marketplace.

Regarding purchasing produce, Abunaw notes that Chicago has one of the best and most robust wholesale markets for fresh produce in the country.

"All roads lead to Chicago," she said. "It is the nexus, it's the artery, it is the heart of the produce market in the country."

She said Chicago's infrastructure makes it a central hub for produce distribution, accessible even to smaller grocers like her who don't require large minimum orders typical of other wholesalers.

never occurred to me that I could go somewhere in a city like Chicago, and that wouldn't be easy to do, especially on a commercial corridor."

Currently, Abunaw is building a permanent grocery store which has always the "North Star" of her business development.

For the past three years, her food truck business has been so successful that she is considering adding another truck or two. Rickette attributes part of their suc-

For that reason, she created Forty Acres Fresh Market in 2017, launching its inaugural pop-up market in 2018. Today, Forty Acres Fresh Market also provides food delivery services that started out in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. In

"If you look at some of Chicago's independent grocers, you learn that they didn't start out where they are," she said.

Her vision is to "start with an end goal, build a customer base and from that build a grocery store.”

Liz Abunaw, Forty Acres Pop-up Market on Westside

Melody Winston, Living Fresh Market

Her vision is currently under construction and 70 percent complete.

2. Community Gardens and Urban Farming

Community gardens and urban farming initiatives may be among the most debated solutions due to the current laws governing them and the need for gardening know-how and farming skills. However, they empower residents to grow their own fruits and vegetables, promoting food sovereignty and reducing reliance on distant grocery stores.

Currently, there are nearly 70 community gardens spread throughout Chicago’s parks, as well as hundreds more privately run gardens. Organizations like Growing Power and NeighborSpace support these efforts, fostering community engagement and sustainable food production.

How successful have gardens been?

Among the many crops produced by Chicago community gardens, 20 stood out as yielding the highest poundage, according to a research study "Food Studies: Matter, Meaning, Movement."

Mapping these 20 crops onto Chicago’s 77 community areas spatially revealed the cultural and economic importance of crops across neighborhoods with diverse demographics, according to the case study’s authors.

For example, over 5,000 pounds of collard greens were grown in the South Side neighborhood of Washington Heights, which is predominantly inhabited by over 95 percent Black or African American residents and is categorized as a food desert in research studies. Community gardens thus provided this neighborhood with access to a locally desired crop.

Thus, in racially segregated cities like Chicago, community gardens represent a grassroots response to the insufficient availability and increasing cost of fresh food in a changing global economy and environment. People who work in gardens can be hindered, however, by their other basic needs like income, medical insurance, safety, and the daily struggle to survive.

Reducing the costs of gardening and making community gardening as easy as possible is thus a valuable investment in public health. Prioritizing community gardens in urban planning, policymaking, and development ensures that these spaces count and will lead to the development of more socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable food systems that are less reliant on importing food to feed cities.

The label “food desert” or food scarcity, as well as what others describe as “supermarket redlining,” was attributed to many South Side and West Side Chica-

go neighborhoods by the early 2000s, due to their lack of full-service grocery markets. The food desert label excluded decades of growth of community gardeners, who presented food assets in their neighborhoods. That the majority of the city’s 260 community gardens are on the South and West Sides of Chicago reveals that addressing food scarcity should not be thought of as limited to grocery stores.

Nathan McClintock, an associate professor of Urban Studies at the Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique in Montreal, Canada, describes this urban growing movement as having an “emancipatory role,” blending ecological stewardship with social justice. He encourages understanding community gardeners in segregated cities like Chicago as having their own agency and diverse reasons for producing food. His research emerged out of an effort to highlight the importance of community gardens, especially for Chicago neighborhoods with limited access to fresh food.

It's clear that there is more than one system by which to evaluate what makes a community garden successful. Accordingly, author Laura Lawson states in her book “City Bountiful” that “the dominant narrative tends to link community gardens to community food security but given the numerous reasons people state for why they garden, food security should not be the only measure of success.”

The significant harvest and nutritional yield from Chicago gardens dispel the popular perception that community gardens do not produce enough food to make a difference; in fact, they do.

In summary, research supports the idea that community gardens “count” both at the neighborhood and the city level in building greater food security. Advocates dare to conclude that community gardens support self-governance, self-determination, neighborhood beautification, and caring for neighbors. They remind us that "building sustainable food-producing communities requires an approach that goes far beyond applying mythological knowledge."

3. Corner Store Initiatives

Collaborative efforts between local governments, nonprofits, and corner store owners aim to transform small convenience stores into hubs of healthy food access but remain a work in progress in Chicago. While initiatives like city's "Healthy Corner Store" initiative aim to transform these stores into sources of healthy food in food deserts, their effectiveness may be influenced by challenges such as limited resources, competition

from larger grocery chains, and consumer preferences.

Evaluating the success of corner stores in addressing food scarcity would also require assessing factors such as the availability, affordability, and quality of healthy options, as well as their impact on community health outcomes. Ongoing support, resources, and partnerships from both public and private sectors are essential for sustaining and enhancing the effectiveness of these initiatives over time.

Melody Winston, a senior executive at Living Fresh Market, is in a unique position to change the status quo. As major chains vanish from communities, leaving behind empty storefronts, she is transforming the Black community's food experience.

Winston took decisive action to address food access challenges in surrounding communities. Following the departure of Ultra Foods, Winston encouraged the Leamington Group to occupy the supermarket's space, in collaboration with Living Word Christian Center.

Reflecting on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Winston shared, "After the pandemic hit, our team decided to assume ownership of Living Fresh Market in October 2021."

Despite their store's location outside a food desert, Winston actively engages with neighboring villages like Maywood and Bellwood, recognizing their food insecurity issues. They have identified potential grocery store locations and collaborate closely with local officials like Mayor Brandon Johnson and 16th Ward Alderman Stephanie Coleman to address community needs, particularly after the closure of Whole Foods in Englewood.

Winston's vision extends beyond individual stores. She explained, "We’re processing what role we will assume-as a wholesaler to supply smaller stores or as a grocery chain, bridging the gap in access to wholesalers for the community." This approach is rooted in Winston's commitment to empowering smaller businesses and supporting community

development.

During the pandemic, Winston's team prioritized community engagement by distributing free food and groceries, which not only helped those in need but also strengthened brand awareness. Looking ahead, Winston aims to revolutionize the grocery store experience by tailoring it to community preferences including monthly events and initiatives. She values direct engagement with community members, including recent conversations with young Black males about their food preferences, underscoring the importance of community-centered initiatives for driving positive change.

Winston's ultimate goal is ambitious: "We plan to open at least 10 stores, empowering entrepreneurs to serve their Black and brown communities."

4. Independent Food Giveaways

Food distribution events organized by churches, the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and other organizations play a crucial role in addressing food insecurity among Chicago’s food desert population. Here’s how they help:

Immediate Relief: These food giveaways provide immediate relief to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity by offering free or low-cost food items. This helps alleviate hunger and ensures that people have access to nutritious food, even if they are unable to afford it.

Supplemental Support: For residents living in food deserts, where access to affordable and healthy food options may be limited, food giveaways serve as a supplemental source of nutrition. They complement existing food assistance programs and help fill gaps in access to fresh produce and other essential items.

Community Support: Food giveaways often foster a sense of community support and solidarity, bringing together volunteers, donors, and recipients in a shared effort to combat hunger. This sense of community can help reduce social isolation and build stronger neighborhood connections.

Awareness and Education: Many food giveaways include educational components, such as nutrition workshops or cooking demonstrations, to promote healthy eating habits and empower individuals to make nutritious choices with the food they receive.

Advocacy and Outreach: Organizations involved in food giveaways often advocate for policies and initiatives that address the root causes of food insecurity, including poverty, inequality, and lack of access to resources. They may also engage in outreach efforts to raise awareness about hunger and mobilize support for long-term solutions.

Overall, independent food giveaways play a vital role in providing immediate relief, supplemental support, community engagement, and advocacy for Chicago’s food desert population. While they address the immediate needs of residents, they also contribute to broader efforts to create a more equitable and sustainable food system.

Vic Mensa, a socially conscious rap artist, cannabis entrepreneur, and creative, explains why he initiated his own food giveaway efforts: "I believe that access to food should be a fundamental human right, especially in a wealthy society like ours where food abundance coexists with waste."

This realization prompted him to serve the community during the pandemic’s end phase. His non-profit organization Feed the Block provided more than 100,000 pounds of food and winter supplies throughout food deserts across the South Side, in partnership with Delta, a Black-owned restaurant. Recently, he teamed up with Cedars, Tandoor Char House, and others local restaurants for a "Feed the People" food giveaway.

Partnering with his cannabis brand 93 Boyz as well, together they distributed 1,000 hot meals on April 2, and he promises to do more of the same in the future.

“When you take the time and put energy into helping others, it's like a deposit in the bank of the divine,” he said.

5. Advocacy

Chicago advocacy groups and policymakers are pushing for systemic change through zoning laws, incentives for grocery store development in underserved areas, and increased funding for nutrition programs. In September 2023, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced a partnership with the Economic Security Project (ESP) to begin a pathway towards opening a municipally owned grocery store in Chicago. The ESP, a national non-profit dedicated to building economic power for all Americans, will provide technical assistance in determining the pathway to the first municipally owned grocery store in Chicago.

Chicago can take advantage of the Illinois Governor’s office, which joined food justice advocates and announced a new grant program from the Illinois Grocery Initiative, offering competitive grants to encourage the establishment of new grocery stores in USDA-defined food deserts. Paired with the Equipment Upgrades Program, the initiatives form a $20 million effort to address food deserts and prevent grocery store closures throughout Illinois.

Visible advocacy efforts to address food deserts and promote food access have emerged from policymakers, most of which are discussed here:

• Fresh Food Access Programs: Implemented to increase access to fresh and healthy foods in underserved areas. These programs may include financial incentives for grocery stores to open or expand in food desert areas.

• Urban Agriculture Ordinances: Chicago has adopted ordinances to support urban agriculture, such as community gardens and urban farms. Incentives such as subsidies or grants for store owners to carry fresh produce have shown promise.

• Healthy Corner Store Initiative: This initiative works to transform small cor-

ner stores in underserved neighborhoods into sources of healthy food by providing technical assistance, marketing support, and financial incentives.

• Mobile Markets: Mobile markets or food truck licensing help to bring fresh produce and other healthy foods directly to communities lacking access to grocery stores.

• Zoning Policies: Zoning policies may be used to encourage grocery stores to locate in food desert areas by offering incentives or streamlining the permitting process.

6. Community Engagement

The city collaborates with community organizations and residents to develop tailored solutions to address food access issues in specific neighborhoods. In this area, Chicago is making progress, but it is not easy.

Community organizations like the Greater Chicago Food Depository partner with the Illinois Department of Human Services to provide nutrition and health support to low-income women, infants, and young children. Despite the strong and lasting benefits of program participation, only 36.3 percent of eligible Illinoisans were enrolled in the program in 2021, highlighting the need for better outreach.

Former 5th Ward Alderman Leslie Hairston initiated and devised a variety of solutions in her ward that combined policy and opportunity after her ward was the first in the city to have a major grocery store close.

Dominick's departure in 2014 "created a void from 35th and Cottage Grove to King Drive all the way to 95th—a stretch of 60 blocks with no grocery store," she said.

Hairston observed this while driving through her ward and the city, seeking different grocery store options to replace Dominick's. Fortunately, a new Jewel grocery store was built at 75th Street and Stony Island Avenue, which remains to this day. However, the next grocery store was at twenty blocks away, leaving South Shore in the grips of food scarcity as more independently owned grocery stores closed.

Hairston recounts her efforts to provide a proper grocery market to recover from the loss. She was able to persuade Trader Joe's to move into Hyde Park's COOP space, which had closed after Dominick's.

Following that success, she worked with a couple that owned six grocery stores, but none on the South Side. After about a year of discussions, Hairston convinced them to open a grocery store in South Shore on 71st Street. Hairston’s innovative thinking extended the opportunity by working with

the owners to establish "Local Market, South Shore." She suggested that such a move would allow them to expand into other areas, like "Local Market, Chatham," and "Local Market, Greater Grand Crossing," as full-service grocery stores.

Committed to her residents, she engaged with the absentee grocery mall owner, whose prohibitively high rents had made it difficult to find lessees. She found herself traveling to Los Angeles and New York at her own expense to converse with the mall owner, potential lessees, and funders.

Fortunately, her ward's grocery store was in a TIF district created just before she took office.

"Having that kind of infrastructure in place is necessary for success,” she said. “When the grocers needed a subsidy, I was able to use those dollars to acquire the shopping center."

"Initially, it was a hard sell because people didn't believe we were in a food desert," she said. "They didn't realize we had one grocery store for every 30,000 people, while some suburbs had 11 grocery stores for every 30,000 residents."

7. Local Policy

Advocating for policy changes at the local and state levels to address underlying issues contributing to food deserts, such as zoning regulations and economic development policies, is essential. The following are just a few examples of policies, and the city’s efforts may evolve over time in response to changing needs and priorities.

Chicago has implemented several policy changes aimed at addressing the underlying issues contributing to food deserts and food insecurity. Some of these changes include:

• Urban Agriculture Ordinances: revised zoning laws to support urban agriculture, making it easier for residents and organizations to establish community gardens and urban farms, thereby increasing access to fresh produce in underserved areas.

• Healthy Food Financing Initiatives: The city has implemented programs to incentivize grocery stores and food retailers to locate in food desert areas. These initiatives may include tax incentives, grants, or loans to encourage investment in underserved neighborhoods.

• Corner Store Transformation Programs: Retailers offer nutritious foods to their communities. These programs provide technical assistance, marketing support, and financial incentives to help small grocers.

• Mobile Markets and Food Trucks: The city supports mobile markets and food trucks that bring fresh produce and other healthy foods directly to neighbor-

hoods, bridging the gap in food access by providing convenient options for residents.

• Community Engagement and Em-

powerment: Chicago prioritizes community engagement and empowerment in its efforts to address food insecurity. The city collaborates with residents,

community organizations, and stakeholders to develop and implement solutions tailored to the specific needs of each neighborhood.

These policy changes reflect a comprehensive approach to tackling the underlying issues that contribute to food deserts and food insecurity in Chicago. By addressing factors such as access, affordability, and quality of food options, the city aims to improve food access and promote health equity for all residents.

8. Federal Policy

Currently, the U.S. House of Representatives is considering the Food Deserts Act, which would direct the Secretary of Agriculture to provide grants to states to support the establishment and operation of grocery stores in underserved communities, among other provisions.

CNW spoke with Congressman Danny Davis, who serves on the Agricultural Committee and is a proponent of the bill. He emphasized that the bill is necessary because "addressing our food deserts is crucial for promoting better health outcomes for all members of society." Davis's position highlights that food deserts are not solely a concern for states or cities but rather a national problem that needs to be addressed on a larger scale.

CNW recognizes that collaboration among government agencies, community organizations, businesses, and residents is essential to effectively implement and sustain these solutions.

9. Technological Solutions

According to “Food Studies: Matter, Meaning, Movement,” Chicago’s decentralized approach to food insecurity has prevented coordination of vision, clear leadership, and the establishment of a cohesive plan. Chicago needs a plan for ending prevalent food scarcity by 2030 that applies the issues and concerns that have been identified after application of the many solutions described above—what policies work, what doesn’t, and how to implement and evaluate them.

One possible solution is to use mo-

bile texting to ask residents about their access to food on a regular basis and use this data to determine the distinct needs of different community areas. The city should then make these data publicly available to ensure transparency around who goes hungry and who stays well-fed.

The Way Forward

Food deserts represent a complex challenge in Chicago, but they are not insurmountable. Through a combination of community-driven initiatives, policy changes, and innovative solutions, progress is being made to ensure all residents have access to the nourishing food they need to thrive. By addressing the underlying issues of inequality and investing in sustainable solutions, we can create a healthier, more equitable food landscape for generations to come.

Special Cover Story Project Team: Paul Mainor, Art Direction & Seed Lynn Photographer & Videographer

* This article is part of the Segregation Reporting Project, made possible by a grant from Healing Illinois, an initiative of the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Field Foundation of Illinois that seeks to advance racial healing through storytelling and community collaborations.

The project is inspired by “Shame of Chicago, Shame of a Nation,” a new documentary that addresses the untold legacy of Chicago’s systemic segregation.

Managed by Public Narrative, this endeavor enlisted five local media outlets to produce impactful news coverage on segregation in Chicago while maintaining editorial independence.

By Mila K. Marshall, Ph.D. Staff Writer

sense in continuing to ignore the elephant (ear) in the room (I get mine from Wrigleyville).

Calling it “ethnic communities” or “cultural enclaves” doesn't transform segregation into something delectable. No matter what you call it to sweeten it up, the bitter truth is that food options, food quality, and food accessibility are different for the haves and the have-nots. Chicago's hunger heroes, however, refuse to allow the legacy of redlining to linger. Segregation has directly shaped the economic landscape of Chicago.

Redlining and discriminatory lending practices have restricted access to business loans and home loans. This lack of economic investment in these areas has contributed to higher rates of unemployment and lower tax bases. Additionally, segregation in Chicago has resulted in limited access to essential services such as healthcare, transportation, and parks in marginalized communities. Twenty out of 77 Chicago communities are more than 90 percent African American.

What is so sinister about segregation in 2024 is that it is a living artifact of a deliberate and systemic practice of separating people based on racial differences. Quality of life and lifestyle choices are impacted across segregated Chicago, resulting in patterns of products and retailers that align themselves according to the money and the market. Food is no different. One of the main causes of hunger in Chicago is poverty. Many low-income residents simply do not have enough money to buy enough

Hunger Heroes

How Everyday Chicagoans are Tackling Food Insecurity

When "separate" means "hungry," it's a nuanced conversation. Why are meal options and quality so different in the same city? Why do some Chicagoans have to travel miles for a healthy meal while others do not? Why does one side of town have more organic grocers than the other? How can Chicago, a city filled with Michelin-starred restaurants and ethnic cuisine, also be home to urban hunger? Why does it seem that low-income is synonymous with low-quality living? Chicago News Weekly hears from advocates on the frontlines of urban famine to explore how Chicago's racial segregation intersects with hunger and listen to the solutions that have been working and the hopefulness of bringing food equity to all.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “hunger refers to a potential consequence of food insecurity that, due to prolonged, involuntary lack of food, results in discomfort, illness, weakness, or pain that goes beyond the usual uneasy sensation."

You could probably close your eyes and remember a moment in your day that you felt it. That sharp pang in the pit of your belly. That deep growl that echoed, drawing eyes in your direction. We've all felt hungry. Today, it's a privilege to do something about it. But for those living in a global city like Chicago with so much world-class food, the fact that it's also a hotspot of hunger, while baffling, is believable.

The tale of two cities has many versions. Sometimes it's the rich and the poor. Other times it's the educated and the undereducated... the full and the famished. There have always been Chicagoans in need. Yet, there is no

food for themselves and their families. The high cost of living in the city, including housing, transportation, and healthcare, leaves little room in the budget for groceries. This is especially true for families with children, who may have to choose between paying bills or feeding their kids. This lack of access to resources has a direct impact on the physical and mental well-being of residents in these neighborhoods, leading to higher rates of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and overall quality of life. According to Feeding America, an estimated one in seven people in Cook County, where Chicago is located, are food insecure. This means that they do not have reliable access to affordable, nutritious food on a regular basis. The causes of hunger are complex, but the solutions do not have to be. By implementing a combination of short-term emergency relief and long-term sustainable solutions, we can work towards ending hunger in Chicago for all. This brings us towards a racial reckoning that dissolves the bias preventing Black Chicago from being generational beneficiaries of systemic solutions.

But why do we know more about the problem than solving it? Chicago isn't standing on the sidelines and throwing scraps at those in need. That couldn't be further from the truth. Our hunger crisis is complex, yes. But there's brilliance, ingenuity, and passion for equity that makes for the right ingredients that could be the recipe for solutions.

We aren't afraid to face the reality of how challenging it is to fight hunger. Our hunger heroes have dedicated their lives to making sure that folks stay fed.

The Fight for Fair Food

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on hunger in Chicago. The economic downturn caused by the pandemic left many residents without jobs or with

reduced incomes, making it even more difficult to afford food. At the same time, the closure of schools and community centers disrupted food assistance programs that provided meals to children and families in need. Enter advocacy groups and community organizations are working to raise awareness about hunger in Chicago and push for policies that address the root causes of food insecurity.

“It’s not often we get to talk about solutions to hunger,” said Man-Yee Lee, who serves as the communications director for The Greater Food Depository of Chicago has helped.

This year marks the organization's 45th year of feeding Chicagoland communities. She welcomes celebrating the accomplishments of food advocates and volunteers.

“We couldn’t do this work without the dedication of volunteers and partners that organize, coordinate and distribute donations,” Lee said.

In 2023 alone, a total of 20,457 people volunteered their time to the Food Depository.

“In the course of a year our volunteers helped repack and distribute over 8 million pounds of food,” Lee remarked.

To put it into perspective those volunteers donated a little over 90,000 collective hours and distributed over 6.7 million meals. The movement to end hunger isn’t passive and it isn’t easy.

“Volunteers are invaluable for helping us sort and load deliveries, but it doesn’t stop there. We have over 800 partner sites that we then deliver food to, and those pantries distribute at the local level and have volunteers and supporters. We all work together, and it is quite impressive what we can accomplish weekly,” Lee added. It’s also important to move the food fast and keep it safe for consumption, Lee said.

“We have a huge operation from coolers to refrigerated trailers…deliveries have to be efficient,” she shared.

The organization provides food for Chicago and other areas in Cook County. When asked about where there seems to be the most need, she shared the organization has 40 priority communities. Lee explains that just because a community isn’t on this list, that doesn’t mean that there is no need in that community for support or programming.

“These geographies have high concentrations of acute food insecurity,” she said.

She noted that tackling hunger in any community requires a strategy and that food access programming may not be the best solution for all communities’ needs. Despite the diversity of needs and strategies employed or adopted, all efforts are empowered by federal laws and local ordinances. At the state level, the Food Depository is collaborating with numerous partners to push for two bills aimed at alleviating hunger in Illinois.

"We are advocating for funding for the Farm to Food Bank program to ensure that food banks and pantries have access to nutritious, locally sourced food for struggling families,” Lee said. "We are also urging the Illinois General Assembly to support the Breakfast After the Bell bill to help low-income children have easier access to school breakfast."

She also emphasized that they would be working with the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Illinois State Board of Education to support the summer EBT program, which is designed to ensure that children don’t go hungry during the summer months away from school.

Federally the Food Depository is just bold, and Lee believes holistic solutions to ending hunger are right in front of us.

“The expanded SNAP benefits and pandemic EBT lifted millions of families out of food insecurity during 2020 and 2021,” she said.

She sees 2024 as a year of opportunity for Congress to strengthen SNAP, the nation’s largest nutrition program that serves nearly 2 million Illinoisans.

“There are improvements needed to make sure benefits are accessible to all who need them,” she continued.

The types of improvements include removing eligibility barriers for green card holders, college students, and working adults as well as increasing benefits for low-income seniors.

“Also, The Food Depository is advocating for full funding for WIC in fiscal year 2025, among other measures in the next budget to support the emergency food system,” Lee said.

Feeding Hope

One of the first steps in solving hunger in Chicago is to provide immediate relief to those in need. Food banks and pantries play a crucial role in this effort, distributing food to individuals and families who are struggling to put food on the table. Through sharing donations of food, funds, and time, we can ensure that no one in Chicago goes hungry.

The Bread of Life food pantry has been in operation for 10 years. Pastor Sandra Gillespie along with her husband Apostle Walter Gillespie together lead Bethel Family Ministries, which operates the pantry.

She started out with a six-week summer program, serving breakfast and lunch to children and realized that the kids would leave from lunch, and come back the next morning for breakfast and be starving, because they hadn't eaten since they left the previous day.

“We've got to do something about this,” she told her team at the time. “This isn't just a summer program. We're feeding these families.”

That’s when she decided to start a food pantry to reach whole families. Ever since, Gillespie has been working with the Greater Chicago Food Depository. She is allowed to order twice a month from the Food Depository, and the allowance is usually contingent on how many people served. Because Bread of Life Pantry serves such a large amount of people, Gillespie is able to get large amounts of food. Recently, she received almost 14,000 pounds of food from the Food Depository. Her life has gotten busier as her pantry has grown from serving 1,200 pounds a month to 30,000 pounds monthly.

To manage that volume, she has an assistant director and a regular committed, faithful, and supportive staff of 12 people. The food recovery program has allowed her to make connections with local grocery stores to provide more fresh produce for her pantry, she said. She said she purchased a vehicle for $1 from the Greater Chicago Food Depository, which allows

her crew to pick up produce and distribute it promptly.

Every week it isn’t uncommon to see a line of people waiting as early as five-thirty in the morning.

“Rain, sleet doesn't matter, they're in line and it can go all the way down the street,” Gillespie said.

When asked about the cost of charity she laughed and shared how little people understand about the logistics, requirements, storage, staff, and certifications required to be on the frontlines of urban hunger and a critical food distribution site.

“I have to pay for an exterminator, I have an $800 to $900 electric bill every month, and stipends for my volunteers. Even the floors have to be professionally cleaned,” she said.

One of the things that she enjoys the most are the relationships she has built over the years with the people who come to the pantry. But she realizes there will be a time that she must pass on her leadership role and hopes that her successor will have the same passion for the people just as she has.

“When I pass the baton, I want to pass a strong, self-sustaining entity that can continue to meet the needs of the community,” she said.

Plant-Powered Plates

Black households are more likely to have access to low-quality foods. Poor food choices are often cheap, easy, and plentiful in low-income communities, not to mention that unhealthy fast-food restaurants can have a feast ready for a family of five in minutes. Low-income communities are also most likely to be communities of color or immigrant communities.

Chef Tsadakeeyah Emmanuel is a managing partner at Majani Food Emporium, whose name is derived from a Swahili word that translates to the color green. Emmanuel and his wife and business partner, Nasya, chose the word to reflect eco-friendliness when they first started their catering business.

“Being vegan is my life and I’d say my life's mission,” Emmanuel said. On the subject of hunger, he said, it “can be the absence of proper nutrition, [but] there are folks that have big bellies that are still hungry, but their belly is full, so hunger is also being starved of proper nutrition.”

Majani is not only one of two sit down restaurants in South Shore, but also the only organic, vegan restaurant in the community. Oftentimes the conversation of food insecurity turns attention to giveaways or the absence of large chain grocery stores. However, Emmanuel understands the importance of businesses like his providing options for customers who buy fast food with no alternative, healthier options closer to home. Being Black and a foodie also helped him make the decision to open his vegan catering service and then restaurant in a food desert like South Shore.

“I have a responsibility to my community, to employ our youth and to bring our knowledge and wisdom to help uplift our community,” he said.

At the time he and his wife founded Majani, they had to leave South Shore whenever they wanted to have a sit-down meal. Upon reading a report that said South Shore residents were spending millions in other neighborhoods he realized an opportunity.

“The money is here, it's just not being spent here,” he said. “We just didn't have the businesses in place to capture that money.”

As Emmanuel gained an understanding of the environmental impacts of factory farming and fishing and health benefits of being vegan, it gave him more reason to inspire others to change their diet. The restaurant invites different or better choices, that could improve health and, quite honestly, save lives.

Majani ensures that the food they are serving is of the highest quality and free from harmful chemicals and pesticides, Emmanuel said. This focus on sustainability not only benefits the environment, but also contributes to the overall health and well-being of their customers while elevating the conversation to healthy environments and healthy meals.

“We recently began working with Urban Growers Collective to source our greens,” he said. “This helps keep money flowing within the community and ensures that the produce is fresh, as their farm is only two miles away from us.”

People travel from all around the city to dine at the restaurant, he said. Emmanuel believes that Majani is one of the few restaurants on the South Side that attracts a diverse clientele, although it is located in a predominantly African American neighborhood.

“When you have the right product and environment, you can draw in customers from all backgrounds,” he said.

Food recovery is also something Emmanuel is a proponent of.

“I believe programs like Too Good to Go, that can offer food at a discounted price that may not be suitable for primary market sale, does two things: it reduces food waste and gives access to excess food at a much lower cost,” he shared.

This allows for the reduction of food waste by providing an opportunity for consumers to purchase items that may not meet primary market standards but are still of good quality. By implementing more of these programs, excess food will not be discarded and can instead be utilized effectively, Emmanuel said. Additionally, donating leftover food to shelters or other organizations in need can also help alleviate food waste and benefit those in the community.

Fish Farms of the Future

A solution that goes under the radar is the vast resource of our beloved Lake Michigan. It is the second largest of the

five Great Lakes in North America. Despite the rich recreational opportunities, hunger and our waters haven’t reeled in much attention. At the Great Lakes scale, the fishing industry of Lake Michigan is a significant contributor to the economy of the region. More than a dozen tribes like the Chippewa, Ottawa, Fox, Menominee, Mascoutin, Potawatami fished Lake Michigan waters for their sustenance. The waters were once teaming with salmon, trout, walleye, perch, and whitefish, supporting a commercial industry with local and export markets.

The legacy of pollution and environmental racism, however, make hunger solutions that involve urban fishing challenging. It is currently recommended to limit consumption of fish caught in Chicago waters, particularly in areas with known pollution problems. So, choosing fish from reputable sources that regularly test for contaminants can help reduce the risk of exposure to harmful substances.

Fish is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health, heart health, and reducing inflammation in the body. Fish is also high in protein and low in saturated fats compared to other types of meat. It’s too bad the very resource that shapes who we are as a city and could save health is starved itself.

So, for low-income communities on the city’s Southeast Side, what could be a healthy alternative that is accessible and close to home is largely contaminated and unprotected. Solutions for feeding the future require us to heal the land and heal the water.

Hope for the Hungry

Hope for the hungry is not just a wish, but a promise and a responsibility that we all share. With thousands of Chicagoans struggling to get enough food to eat, it can be overwhelming to think about how to make a difference. However, by coming together as a community and taking action, all of us can provide hope for those who are hungry.

Donating money to organizations and charities that work to provide food assistance to those in need or volunteering your time or organizing food drives are great places to start. Seek to serve communities you do and don’t belong to. Spread the love.

Additionally, advocating for policies that address the root causes of hunger, such as poverty, lack of access to education, and food insecurity, can make a lasting impact on the issue. Ultimately, solving hunger in Chicago will require a multi-faceted approach that addresses both the immediate needs of individuals and families, as well as the underlying causes of food insecurity. By providing emergency relief, increasing access to healthy food options, educating the community, and fostering collaboration, we can work towards a future where no one in Chicago goes hungry. And while urban hunger has no zip code, race surely does.

By Mila K. Marshall, PhD

Cultivating Fairness: Challenges and Progress in Illinois Cannabis Laws

Illinois is still in the process of refining its cannabis laws and regulations to ensure fairness and responsibility. Concerns persist regarding transparency, accountability, and the promotion of social equity within the industry. Addressing these issues is crucial for establishing a successful and just cannabis market. Additionally, more focus on scientific research and data-driven policy making can help to create more effective regulations and enforcement practices.

Although some people don’t know this, cannabis consumption in a car remains illegal. It doesn’t matter if the car is parked or moving; a violation comes with a hefty fine. In Illinois, individuals found to be unlawfully possessing, transporting, or using cannabis while driving or riding in a car face a Class A misdemeanor charge that carries with it a potential one-year jail term, a fine of up to $2,500, and mandatory court fees and assessments. While individuals are permitted to use cannabis for medical reasons, it is illegal for a driver to operate a vehicle while under the influence of medical cannabis. This is the same for adult-use cannabis. Every state has its own impaired driving laws and penalties. In a state where cannabis has been decriminalized, the regulations still allow for a level of interpretation that closely resembles the enforcement tactics used during the War on Drugs.

The A.I. The answer.is...

CNW Staff Report

Have you asked yourself in recent years what exactly is a food desert with all the talk and politics surrounding this growing issue?

This edition is different from our previous publications driven by the theme “When Separate Equals Hungry,” the title of our cover story that drives this issue. The surrounding ramifications of this current phenomenon are overwhelming and cause for alarm.

So, we have presented not new words, but descriptions often used to refer to the social state of food availability in America or lack thereof for those in underserved communities. As you read the pages, these definitions will provide you insight and increase your understanding of the discussion.

1. A food desert refers to an area, typically urban or rural, where access to affordable and nutritious food is limited or nonexistent due to a lack of grocery stores or fresh food markets.

2. Food apartheid is a broader term that encompasses systemic inequalities in access to healthy food based on race, class, and geography. It highlights the deliberate policies and practices that create and perpetuate food deserts, often affecting marginalized communities disproportionately.

3. Food scarcity refers to a situation where there is an inadequate supply of food to meet the needs of a

When Gov. Pritzker ran against incumbent Bruce Rauner, he did so on a pot-friendly platform and a foundation of social equity. But four years into the adult-use industry, the state has quietly averted public criticism for the most part. The R3 program remains unaccountable for lack of transparency and relinquishing of funds to grant recipients in a timely manner. Growers have a challenging time accessing capital, and industrial hemp constituents are used as pawns in diverting the Illinois legislature from passing common-sense social equity policy authored by the same allies, they so proudly partnered with in 2019 to pass the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act.

population, either due to natural disasters, economic challenges, or distribution issues. It can affect regions or entire populations, leading to hunger and malnutrition.

4. Supermarket redlining is a practice where supermarkets and grocery stores avoid opening or investing in locations perceived as economically or socially disadvantaged, often based on factors like income levels or racial demographics. This leads to uneven access to fresh and healthy food options, contributing to food deserts.

5. Hunger is a physiological condition resulting from a lack of food intake. It can be caused by various factors, including food scarcity, poverty, unemployment, and inadequate access to nutritious food. While food scarcity can lead to hunger, hunger can also result from individual or systemic factors beyond just food availability.

Hunger is not one and the same as any of the other four terms but rather a result of them all.

A food desert, like hunger, is the result of socioeconomic impact. Whereas food apartheid and supermarket redlining share some of the causes like race, class, and other systematic intentional outcomes, food scarcity can readily be looked upon as the result of the avoidance of providing proper services to socially disadvantaged communities.

Now a new senate bill seeks to amend the Illinois vehicle code. Sponsored by Sen. Julie A. Morrison, SB 3409 makes it illegal for anyone to operate a vehicle “within 2 hours of driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle, a “free” THC concentration in the person's whole blood.” Detecting and measuring THC in breath, blood, or urine samples is a task for the state's forensics toxicologists. Some states have resorted to setting per se limits which are set by law and deemed necessary. Detection science is divided; the Illinois Health Advisory Committee is responsible for analyzing and tracking health-related trends and staying current on the latest scientific and medical research related to the health impacts of cannabis use. All minutes and agendas are public. None make mention of discussing the science behind detection parameters or impairment. Illinois would benefit from a diverse cannabis STEM advisory council to inform science-based policymaking. Accurate data and information are essential in order to implement industry fairness. Illinois’ $2.5 million disparity study, for example, is required by law. Its purpose is to assess the presence and prevalence of discrimination in the Illinois industry. The state commissioned Nerevu Group, a 100% minority-owned firm. Despite the requirement of the report being published within 12 months of being commissioned, the report has yet to be made public. As the state has been inconsistent with publishing information, updating websites, and resources, it calls into question how far regulators will go to portray a genuine commitment to social equity without accountability for when there are shortcomings.