MARION, Ill. – Food pantries, schools, healthcare providers, farmers, businesses, and religious and community organizations came together to address food access during the 2023 Food Security Summit. The third-annual event allowed agencies to collaborate, learn, and prioritize healthy food access initiatives for southern Illinoisans.

Janice Phillips, assistant director for the Illinois Department of Public Health, served as the keynote speaker. Phillips noted that the average grocery prices are projected to increase 6.6% in 2023, making it more difficult for families to access healthy, nutrient-dense foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and proteins. She stressed that food insecurity leads to poor health outcomes like diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic diseases. Phillips applauded the efforts of those gathered at the conference who serve as the frontline workers addressing food access.

"We need collective action and people willing to roll up their sleeves and do the work," said Phillips. "Our partnership and programs fuel our progress and success."

Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton sent a pre-recorded message to attendees commending the group on feeding, growing, and supporting Illinois. The remainder of the summit was filled with short-dynamic lightning talks highlighting food insecurity and equity, senior food programs, addressing burnout and stress, summer food services, and produce programs. A food pantry panel and 2022 mini-grant panel also shared information with participants. A committee is now accepting applications for the 2023 mini-grants.

Hunger is often hidden but is a huge issue in southern Illinois. According to Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap, more than 45,000 southern Illinoisans struggle with having enough food to eat. That's nearly 15% of local residents. SNAP-Ed Extension Educator Toni Kay Wright, one of the event organizers, said that addressing food insecurity is a team effort.

"It's important to gather community partners together under one roof. We can advocate, share success, and collaborate to address food access and food insecurity in our communities," said Wright.

Organizers plan to bring the summit back next September for a fourth-annual event. To learn how to get involved with food security initiatives in the region, contact Toni Kay Wright at tkwright@illinois.edu or (618) 993-3304.

WRITER: Heather Willis, marketing and communications coordinator, hdwillis@illinois.edu, (618) 357-2126

SOURCE: Toni Kay Wright, SNAP-Ed Extension Educator, tkwright@illinois.edu, (618) 993-3304