Illinois

Statewide: Food Insecurity During The Pandemic

NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS | By Sean Crawford

Published September 17, 2020 at 12:16 PM CDT

This week on Statewide, we take a look at the growing problem of food insecurity. It's an issue in big cities and small towns and the economic hardships created this year have made it worse. We'll learn about some efforts being made to help.

And, with many schools going remote, that's left working parents in a bind when it comes to finding child care and being able to afford it.

That and more on this episode.

Our lineup:

* Sean Crawford talks with reporter Hannah Meisel about problems the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services faces when it comes to placements in the system.

* Dana Vollmer visits with the producer of a documentary "Seasons of Change on Henry's Farm" about a Woodford County farmer adapting to the challenges of climate change.

* Chris Fink tells us about a big perk of the season - garden ripe tomatoes.

* Our food insecurity series begins with Dana Cronin reporting on how come groups have been hit harder than others during the pandemic.

Ja Nelle Pleasure relies on her garden for fresh fruits and vegetables. "Vegetables are expensive at the grocery store," she said.

* Christina Stella of Harvest Public Media looks at how rural towns have had to find new ways to serve families in need.

* Seth Bodine tells us about an effort helping get excess food off the farm and to needy families.

* Amy Mayer explains how the federal government is providing support for children who rely on school meals.

* Lee Gaines with Illinois Newsroom explains the challenges faced by working parents who need childcare when schools have turned to remote learning.

* Mary Hansen talks with two Springfield aldermen about their proposal for police reform in the capital city.

* Michael Puente of WBEZ reports on another effect of the ban on evictions - landlords worried about losing their property.

Listen to Statewide across Illinois in:

Bloomington/Normal – WGLT 89.1 (Fridays 11 a.m. - Noon, Sundays 6-7 a.m.)
Carbondale – WSIU 91.9 (Fridays 2-3 p.m. and Sundays 6-7 a.m.)
Mount Vernon - WVSI 88.9 (Fridays 2-3 p.m. and Sundays 6-7 a.m.)
Olney - WUSI 90.3 (Fridays 2-3 p.m. and Sundays 6-7 a.m.)
Rockford/DeKalb – WNIJ 89.5 (Saturdays 6-7 a.m., Sundays 2-3 p.m.)
Springfield/Decatur - WUIS 91.9 (Fridays 11 a.m. - Noon, 11 p.m. - Midnight, Saturdays 9-10 a.m.)
Peoria – WCBU 89.9 (Fridays 11a.m. -12 noon, Sundays 6-7 a.m.)
Pittsfield - WIPA 89.3 (Fridays 11 a.m. - Noon, 11 p.m. - Midnight, Saturdays 9-10 a.m.)
Quad Cities - WVIK HD2 (Sundays 11 a.m. - 12 noon)
Urbana/Champaign – WILL 580 (Fridays 11 a.m. - Noon, 7-8 p.m.)