Lake County, Illinois sits just north of Chicagoland’s Cook County. One of the most diverse counties, Lake County is home to some of Illinois’ wealthiest suburbs and some of its most dire food insecurity. According to Feeding America, 6.9% of Lake County’s population faces food insecurity, much of which is concentrated in the county seat of Waukegan Township. Latest U.S. Census data reveals that 15.1% of Waukegan’s population live below the federal poverty line. The financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with supply chain issues and global inflation have made it difficult for families in Waukegan to obtain affordable fresh, nutritious food. 

Erie Family Health Centers, a federally qualified health center and my host site, has been at the forefront of addressing this need. Since the fall of 2022, Erie’s HealthReach Waukegan Social Determinants of Health team has partnered with Northern Illinois Food Bank to distribute fresh and shelf-stable food to hundreds of patients. Each month, team members from Waukegan, service year members including myself, Kara Litwin (Avodah, pictured left), and Sydney Nusbaum (Avodah, pictured center), and community partners come together to distribute milk, eggs, fresh vegetables, frozen meat, and canned goods. Each family walks away with bags piled high with free delicious and nutritious food.

Beyond meeting the need for food, we also seek to create sustainable education for health promotion. Each family receives a packet in both English and Spanish of health education materials, information about Erie’s patient programs, and recipes that highlight the ingredients we distribute. As an avid cook myself, I have enjoyed compiling these recipes, which include two meals, two snacks, and a healthy dessert. This monthly event is open to all, regardless of age, demonstrated need, or location. In the six months that we have been conducting this event, our average number of families served per month has nearly doubled from 100 to more than 175.

The positive impact of this food distribution is palpable in each client interaction. From a toddler’s excitement seeing her mom pick up her favorite fruit to a family’s relief that they can get eggs, it is clear that this event touches the lives of many. Through assessing need and collaborating with the community, Erie’s Social Determinants of Health team has truly made an impact addressing food insecurity in Waukegan.