In this Tuesday, May 12, 2020, photo, bags of fresh food wait to be given away at an event sponsored by the Greater Chicago Food Depository in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood of Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
City Colleges of Chicago is partnering with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to offer free meals to students in an effort to combat food insecurity across their campuses. The Food Security for Life initiative will provide take-home-meals, groceries and snacks at Malcolm X College, Kennedy-King College and Olive-Harvey College, with plans to expand to all seven city community colleges. Campus food pantries will also have extended hours starting in January.

Mo’hogney Mitchell, a psychology student at Kennedy-King College, said during a news conference, help is sorely needed.

“I’ve seen lines wrapped around the hall when it is open because so many students are in need,” she explained. “When I saw that, I knew more could be done.”

Mitchell helped with the initiative and has personally experienced food insecurity, which she said makes it very hard to focus in class. At least 75% of students at City Colleges are Black and Latino, and 50% face food insecurity, according to leaders. The initiative will also connect students with public benefits such as SNAP, WIC and Medicaid.

Gov. JB Pritzker, Mayor Brandon Johnson and other elected officials joined organization leaders at Kennedy-King College for the announcement this week. The program launch comes as the federal government recently ended a longstanding effort to track hunger nationwide. City Colleges of Chicago Chancellor Juan Salgado emphasized the system’s commitment to their students, even in the face of federal upheaval.

“So at the same time that the federal government is pulling back on SNAP and Medicaid, we’re committed to do the best that we can to fill the void,” he said.

Katya Nuques, City Colleges of Chicago board chair, praised the institution for living its values and stepping forward at such a critical time. Chicago has been the target of aggressive federal immigration efforts that have left the city reeling. Nuques said these unsettling moments have caused fear and uncertainty for many students, families and neighbors.

“In the face of these challenges, City College remains committed to its mission to be a place of learning, opportunity, safety and support,” she pledged.