Combating Food Insecurity in the 43rd Ward

Juniors in the school’s Food Justice Civic Lab have been learning about food insecurity in the city and specifically Lincoln Park. As a result, they want to establish a community refrigrator in the neighborhood and invited 43rd ward Alderperson Timmy Knudsen to class to learn more about the possibilities and resources available.

In his conversation with students, Knudsen highlighted a number of nonprofit organizations along and near the Fullerton Corridor that have a long history of serving those in need, including Nourishing Hope, Care for Real, The Hunger Resource Network, Friendship Center Chicago and Marillac St. Vincent. Knudsen also spoke about the role local churches play in these efforts, in some cases providing temporary housing to families in hiding during recent ICE raids.

Students discussed their investigations surrounding community fridges to date and the challenges of finding an ideal location. Knudsen echoed their concerns and encouraged them to reach out to existing organizations to explore potential partnerships for installing a community fridge in the 43rd ward.

Parker thanks students for thinking about ways to help those in the school neighborhood struggling with food insecurity in a proactive way and Alderperson Knudsen for taking the time to share more about the 43rd ward’s efforts to help those in need.

Enjoy photos from this exchange here.