Globally
Locally
Food Insecurity at the Local Level
While the federal food and nutrition assistance programs have provided much-needed support during some very trying times, the community food security movement has grown to empower people to procure food for themselves. With many towns offering small loans and entrepreneurial training, community members can start small businesses that produce food for farmers’ markets, stores, and restaurants. Access to healthy food is improved by establishing community gardens, urban farms, and farmers’ markets throughout the year. Instead of just meeting immediate need and donating food, the community food security movement takes it a step further by incorporating a variety of stakeholders such as farmers, chefs, community members, and policymakers.
A Bit Closer to Home
Looking at an even smaller level, Cook County stats were examined. 1 in 4 children in Cook County are at risk of hunger while 1 in 7 people are without reliable access to food at times throughout the year. Within Cook County, Chicago has a food insecurity rate of 19.2% while the Illinois food insecurity rate is 13.6%.
With all of this, the question of “What Can Be Done?” is daunting as it seems uncertain of where to even begin. While food pantries and programs have definitely alleviated some of the need, oftentimes individuals and families may experience food insecurity when they least expect it.
After volunteering at St.Raymond’s Promised Land Garden that grows produce that is then donated to local food banks, shelters, soup kitchens, and other sites that provide food, I noticed how the food would have to wait to be transported. I thought there must be a way for people to have faster access to the food once it is ready. After some research, I found micropantries. Similar to the little free libraries, they are small compared to entire pantries and allow for items to be placed inside for people to take. Furthermore, people can leave food in the micropantry for someone else to grab.
Map of Cook County Food Insecurities
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