Feeding America, Chicago, IL Videos

Elevating Voices: Sophia Blake
This coming September 10th on Hunger Action Day, Feeding America will release their third Elevating Voices: Insights Report. This nationally representative survey highlights the experiences, concerns, and policy views of people facing hunger in the U.S. and underscores the importance of centering people closest to the issue when designing solutions for a hunger-free nation. One such neighbor, Sophia Blake, expressed the obstacles she sees in her community every day, and the hope she has for positive change to come. By placing people facing hunger—the real experts on food insecurity—at the head of our decision-making tables, we can overcome this challenge together. Learn more at FeedingAmerica.org/ElevatingVoices.

Find Your Local Food Bank
Feeding America can help you find your local food bank! 📍 You can locate a food bank near you by entering your zip code or state at FeedingAmerica.org/Find. This will show you your local food bank, their contact information, and links to find food, volunteer, or donate. If you are looking for food assistance, your local food bank’s website will have more information on how to find food pantries and meal programs in your community. Visiting a food pantry for the first time can be nerve-wracking, but friendly volunteers are there to answer questions and guide you. Click here to learn more or to find your local food bank: FeedingAmerica.org/Find

Senior Hunger in America
By 2050, more than 9 million seniors may be food insecure if current trends continue. 🔔 Food insecurity among seniors affects their health and well-being, making it harder for them to live a healthy and active life. In 2022, 1 in 11 seniors age 60 or older were food insecure, an increase compared to 2021. Join us in the movement to end hunger in America and ensure that no senior goes hungry. Learn more about senior hunger and how you can help: bit.ly/36CvliJ

We all deserve the opportunity to access the food and resources we need to live a healthy, dignified life. Yet, 6.9 million seniors experienced challenges getting the food they need in 2022, an increase of 25.5%, according to Feeding America estimates. These estimates show how food insecurity among seniors varies across geographic, racial, and socioeconomic lines. With this data, we can identify ways to eliminate senior hunger according to their unique needs and circumstances. When we have safe and reliable access to food, we can go from just living to truly thriving. That is why the Feeding America network assists millions of seniors in accessing the food and resources they need to thrive through a variety of senior-focused outreach and food programs. In 2022, the Feeding America network provided nearly 177 million meals through targeted senior programs in communities across the country. Find out more about our programs, federal assistance, and more here: bit.ly/4bOVtbu

According to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture research, 1 in 5 children experience food insecurity in the U.S. The problem worsens every year when schools close for summer and millions of kids lose reliable access to breakfast and lunch. But there’s good news! USDA’s new, permanent grocery assistance program called SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, can help close the summer hunger gap. 🎒 SUN Bucks is a proven tool to reduce child hunger and support better nutrition. Providing families with grocery benefits during the summer months helps ensure every child has access to the nourishment they need, even when school is out. 🧡 🎥 Learn more about SUN Bucks from Feeding America supporter Chrissy Teigen 💻 Find FAQs and additional details at FeedingAmerica.org/SUNBucks

In America, over 80 million tons of food gets wasted every year. Feeding America has a way to rescue food going to waste, and we work with industry partners across the country to keep good food out of landfills. MealConnect helps farmers and grocers with surplus food connect with food banks, food pantries and food distribution partners to serve neighbors in your community. Learn more about how technology like MealConnect is helping to #EndHunger here: mealconnect.org/

2023 Elevating Voices: Alexander Landefeld
The voices of people facing hunger must be at the table when designing solutions for hunger. At the 2023 Elevating Voices: Power Summit, we listened to our neighbors share their experiences and insights to inform policy recommendations to end hunger. We believe that when policymakers, organizations, and supporters unite with them, we can make a significant impact on the movement to end hunger. In our latest Elevating Voices video, we share insights from Alexander Landefeld, who highlights how technology and training can help people access SNAP benefits online, find local food programs, and utilize more resources. As we look forward to the next Power Summit happening this month, we invite you to explore our 2023 Elevating Voices: Insights Report to hear directly from people facing hunger and prepare for more transformative discussions: bit.ly/3YVED68

For over a century, the Brighton Allston Congregational Church (United Church of Christ) has stood as a place of solace and hope in the heart of its community. Pastor Nikira Hernandez, the senior minister at the church and executive director of the Alston Brighton Food Pantry, a member of the Feeding America network, reflects on their legacy of service with pride. Their commitment to nourishing both body and spirit is evident in their longstanding community supper program and bi-weekly food pantry, serving up sustenance and support to people facing hunger. As the pastor of a church known for its inclusivity and support of marginalized communities, Pastor Hernandez emphasizes their commitment to serving everyone, including LGBTQ individuals. Their welcoming approach extends beyond words to tangible actions, with initiatives like the "Black Trans Lives Matter" sign prominently displayed outside the church. LGBTQ+ individuals face intersecting forms of oppression that exacerbate food insecurity. Transgender people of color, for instance, often experience higher rates of poverty. Reflecting on their partnership with The Greater Boston Food Bank, a Feeding America partner food bank, Pastor Hernandez expresses gratitude for the support received, which has enabled them to expand their services and reach more people experiencing food insecurity. But for Pastor Hernandez, food is more than just sustenance—it's a connection to home, family, and culture. "I love food," Pastor Hernandez admits. "Food to me means home. It means family." Their vision for the future is one where programs like theirs are no longer necessary, where everyone has access to culturally relevant and nourishing food. "My hope for the future is that this program doesn't exist anymore because it doesn't need to exist," Pastor Hernandez shares. "But until then, we'll keep showing up, serving our community with love and compassion, one meal at a time.” Feeding America partner food banks are

#GarfieldForGood
Guess what? #GarfieldMovie is dishing up something big! 😻 Everyone’s favorite lasagna-loving cat is on a mission to help end hunger. For every share of this video with hashtag #GarfieldForGood, Garfield Movie will help provide 10 meals (up to 100K) to people facing hunger…because if we work together, we can end hunger meow. To learn more, visit www.feedingamerica.org/garfield

2023 Elevating Voices: Anita Garrett
Feeding America believes a movement to end hunger in the U.S. can succeed when people facing hunger are at its heart and policymakers, organizations, and supporters are united with them to deliver innovative policies and programs. That’s why we’re thrilled to share insights from our neighbors. At the 2023 Elevating Voices: Power Summit, Anita Garrett shared her own experience and encouraged policymakers to increase nutrition assistance benefits and funding for school lunches. Read our 2023 Elevating Voices: Insights Report and get ready for more impactful discussions at the next Power Summit this June! 🔗 bit.ly/3YVED68

This #NationalVolunteerMonth we asked Adina Porter, Mason Gooding, Lorenza Izzo, and Ronen Rubinstein why they take time out of their busy schedules to volunteer in their communities. Every reason is different, but they’re all making a difference. What’s your reason for volunteering? Let us know below and find out how you can join the movement to #endhunger at feedingamerica.org 🧡

Today is Volunteer Recognition Day and some of our friends took time out of their day of volunteering to say “Happy Volunteer Month”! The movement to #endhunger relies on incredible volunteers like you, Lorenza Izzo, Grant Hall, Mason Gooding, Ronen Rubinstein, Karen Pittman, Adina Porter, and Kenny Johnson! Find out how you can get involved at feedingamerica.org 🧡

🤝 The #fighthungersparkchange campaign is powered by all of us working together in the movement to end hunger. Today, we’re giving a special shout-out to the dozens of suppliers who make it happen in Walmart and Sam's Club stores. Now through April 29, the purchase of participating products helps support people facing hunger. More details on how you can get involved: bit.ly/4d3kp12 Hidden Valley Ranch, Conagra Brands, SkinnyPop, Unilever, Keebler, Frito-Lay, Quaker, General Mills, Kodiak Cakes, Hain Celestial US, Kellanova, WK Kellogg Co, Snapple, Mott's, Hawaiian Punch, Kraft Heinz, Monster Energy, Bush's Beans, Coca-Cola, Purina, Nongshim America, Chef Woo, Nissin Foods.

The Next Farm Bill Can Help Rural Communities
In some of our nation's rural communities—including the places that grow America's crops—regular access to fresh and nutritious food may not be a guarantee. Grocery stores can be few and far between, and some families might need to travel dozens of miles, or even hours, to access the food we all need to thrive. Federal nutrition programs like The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) help close meal gaps for rural communities—and we have a chance to bolster these programs in the next farm bill. Tell lawmakers to prioritize rural communities by passing a strong farm bill! 📣 Take Action: https://bit.ly/3VUf4CU 🧡 Share this post to help fuel the movement to end hunger!

The United States produces more than enough food to feed everyone, but it wastes millions of pounds of perfectly good food yearly while 44 million people in the country face hunger. Feeding America is the nation's largest food rescue organization, partnering with food manufacturers, grocery stores, restaurants, and farmers to rescue food and deliver it to food banks. 🥕 Learn more and get involved: bit.ly/3rsH2ZN

⚡It’s that time once again to Fight Hunger. Spark Change. with Walmart and Sam's Club! With donations and roundups at the register in-store and online – plus the purchase of select products from participating suppliers, it’s easy to join the movement to end hunger now through April 29. #FightHungerSparkChange Donate now: feeding.am/fighthunger!

This week, the Black Employees of Feeding America Employee Resource Group (BEFA) gathered to celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth. The day of community began with a fireside chat hosting special guest speaker, Executive Director of The Black Church Food Security Network, Reverend Dr. Heber Brown and Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot to discuss Rev. Dr. Brown's commitment to connecting Black farmers and Black churches in ending food insecurity. The Black Church Food Security Network advances food security and food sovereignty by co-creating Black food ecosystems anchored by nearly 250 Black congregations in partnership with Black farmers and other food justice stakeholders. Listen to a snippet of their inspiring conversation here.

Food Security Equity Impact Fund: Chenier Farms
In the rural town of Opelousas, Louisiana, Chenier Farms – a Black-owned and operated farm – has been part of the community for five generations. John Chenier lived on the farm as a child – now he and his wife Betty run the farm with help from their grandson, Seth. The farm has chickens, cows, and more. They grow okra, pumpkins and squash in the fall – and a bountiful harvest of fruit throughout the year. With rows of crops nestled between groves of trees, the farm is Betty’s sanctuary. “It’s an uplifting feeling, knowing you’ve grown something from seed to crop,” Betty said. “It’s an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. It’s just peaceful.” Despite Betty and John’s passion for farming, the reality is that their operation isn’t sustainable on its own. Until very recently, John was working a full-time job to help cover the family’s living and farming expenses. “He still works when he comes back from work,” Betty said. “He gets off at 3:30 and is in the field until 8:30 or 9.” Black farmers like the Cheniers often face unfair challenges that other farmers do not – like discrimination and inequitable business practices. “We’ve never had the same opportunity given to white farmers. We’re not informed about opportunities we could have had,” Betty said. But, the Cheniers are hoping to change that. Working with Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana, the farm is providing fresh, local produce to food pantries in the area. “(The food bank) has been a blessing to us because things were really tough at the time when they came and approached me,” Betty said. Feeding America and Second Harvest’s work with Chenier Farms is just one example of co-creating solutions to food insecurity and addressing the health of the local community through the Food Security Equity Impact Fund. As we work to increase investments in communities through financial support and partnership, our hope is that the Equit

Neighbor Stories: Evetta
Evetta Mahlum simply doesn’t stop moving. She starts practically every day with a walk – sometimes up to six miles in a single morning. And she keeps rolling after that. “It’s good for me to walk. I de-stress and get my thoughts organized,” she said. As the manager of the Wesley’s Table Food Pantry, Evetta has a lot to keep organized. The pantry, a partner of Northern Illinois Food Bank, serves hundreds of people in the Kankakee, Illinois area every weekend. Evetta has been the pantry manager for the last few years. But it wasn’t always that way. “Five years ago, my husband was in a car accident. We went from an income to absolutely no paycheck practically overnight. It was devastating,” she remembers. “The accident turned our world upside down. We didn’t know where our next meal was coming from.” While Evetta owned her own lawncare company, the single income was not enough to pay the bills and to afford food for her family. That’s how Evetta found Wesley’s Table. “When I came to the pantry to get food, they made me feel like I wasn’t alone,” she said. “I’m not sure what we’d have done without it.” Soon, Evetta started volunteering at the pantry, and not long after, she was brought on to help manage the weekly distributions. Then, tragedy struck. Evetta’s husband was diagnosed with fast-moving cancer and passed away less than a month later. As she tried to cope with unimaginable loss, the pantry was there for her once again. “When I lost my husband, the pantry family saved me,” she said. “They have supported me through my darkest times. It means everything to me.” Evetta and her family recently commemorated one year since her husband’s passing. And while there will always be room for grief and more healing to do, Evetta is moving forward. “There is no choice in giving up,” she said. “You have to keep moving forward. It’s one day at a time, it’s one step at a time.”

Neighbor Story: Elodia
Elodia Lopez isn’t afraid of change. In fact, as a nurse for nearly 20 years, she dealt with it every day. She spent 16 years as an obstetrics-gynecology nurse, and then two years in the intensive care unit. She was also a medical assistant instructor. “If I can help people in any way or bring them a smile, then I’ll do it,” Elodia said. “It just touches my heart.” While at work, her job was fast-paced and always changing. But at home in Corpus Christi, Texas, one thing that never changed was that she and her husband were able to provide for themselves and their son, Junior. But then the COVID pandemic began. At the start of the pandemic, Elodia continued working in the ICU. Later in 2020, she got COVID. “COVID affected me physically and mentally,” Elodia said. “I spent some time in the hospital. I wasn’t able to walk, I have nerve damage because of it and I have heart issues.” After weeks in the hospital, Elodia beat COVID – but it changed everything. Because of lingering health issues – including developing diabetes – she was no longer able to continue her nursing career. And on top of that, her husband’s hours were cut around the same time. Yet, Elodia didn’t give up – because she wasn’t afraid of change. “I just push every day,” she said. “COVID gave me that attitude – it made me stronger.” Which is why Elodia – who loved fashion design as a hobby – opened a women’s clothing boutique at a local flea market to help provide income for the family. That helped, but it was still tough affording food. So, Elodia visited the food pantry operated by the @CoastalBendFb – which led to yet another change in her life. “(Through the pantry) I was able to find this nutrition education program that was doing a series on diabetes. Yes, I was a nurse, but I didn’t specialize in diabetes. So, I wanted to learn how to cook nutritious food for diabetes and how to keep my family healthy,” she said. Not only did