>> HELLO AND THANK YOU FOR JOINING US ON CHICAGO TONIGHT.

BLACK VOICES.

I'M BRANDIS FRIEDMAN ON THE SHOW TONIGHT.

>> IF THIS ENDS, YOU KNOW, NEXT AUGUST THE RIPPED OUT OF THOSE SCHOOLS THERE SOMEWHERE.

>> STUDENTS AT PRIVATE SCHOOLS ACROSS ILLINOIS ARE AT RISK OF LOSING THEIR SCHOLARSHIPS AND BEEN A KEY.

HAS THE LATEST FROM SPRINGFIELD.

FOOD INSECURITY IS ON THE RISE.

HOW CHICAGOANS ARE WORKING TO PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE AHEAD OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON.

>> THIS IS TO GET BACK TO THE COMMUNITY THAT GIVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO IT.

I DIDN'T HAVE THOSE CAMPS GROWING UP.

>> AND YOU MIGHT KNOW HIM AS THE GRANDE MAN.

WE SHOW YOU HOW A 3 TIME MLB ALL-STAR IS GIVING BACK TO LOCAL KIDS.

AND NOW TO SOME OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES AS THE VETO SESSION IN SPRINGFIELD, WINDS DOWN.

LAWMAKERS HAVE YET TO PASS LEGISLATION THAT WOULD ALLOW CHICAGO'S ELECTED SCHOOL BOARD TO GO FORWARD.

THERE'S A DEAL ON A MAP OF DISTRICTS, SOMETHING THAT HAD BEEN CONTROVERSIAL.

BUT HOW TO ELECT THE BOARD IS STILL COMPLICATED.

THERE'S A DISPUTE OVER WHETHER CHICAGO VOTERS SHOULD ELECT THE WHOLE BOARD NEXT YEAR OR WHETHER IT SHOULD BE GRADUAL, MEANING THE MAYOR.

WE GET TO APPOINT HALF THE MEMBERS.

REPRESENTATIVE AND WILLIAMS TOLD COLLEAGUES AT A HEARING A PHASE AND MAKES THE MOST SENSE.

SO THAT WAY EVERYBODY WOULD IN THOSE 10 DISTRICTS WOULD GET TO VOTE.

AND THAT WAS A PRIORITY.

I HEARD FROM MANY OF MY COLLEAGUES.

>> STAKEHOLDERS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS.

WE WANT EVERYONE TO FEEL LIKE THEY HAVE A STAKE IN THE FUTURE OF THAT CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN DAY ONE RIGHT OUT OF THE GATE.

>> LAWMAKERS SAY THEY HOPE TO REACH AN AGREEMENT SOON.

SO POTENTIAL CANDIDATES CAN MAKE PLANS TO RUN.

AND VICKI, WE'LL HAVE MORE FROM SPRINGFIELD IN A FEW MINUTES.

SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING WILL BE ABLE TO ACCESS FREE CELL PHONES FROM THE COOK COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT.

>> ONE OF THE PRIMARY WAYS THE ABUSER HAS CONTROL OVER THE VICTIM IS THEIR PHONES.

THEY USUALLY INSISTS THAT THE PHONE SERVICE IS PAID FOR BY THEM.

SO THEY HAVE CONTROL OVER.

THEY INSIST THE PHONE HAS THE TRACKING ELEMENT ATTACHED TO IT SO THEY CAN TRACK OF ALL TIME AND THEY HAVE THE PASSWORDS.

SO THEIR ABILITY GOING ALL THE TIME.

FIND OUT WHAT THE VICTIM IS BEEN DOING.

>> SHERIFF TOM DART AND HIS OFFICE ARE PARTNERING WITH 9-1-1, CELL PHONE BANK TO PROVIDE THE PREPAID PHONES IN A PILOT PROGRAM.

THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE SAYS EACH YEAR STAFF PROVIDES SERVICES TO MORE THAN 100 SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING.

AND 38% OF THEM DON'T HAVE CELL PHONES.

UP NEXT, THE FATE OF ILLINOIS'S TAX CREDITS FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAM.

AND VICKI IS LIVE FROM SPRINGFIELD RIGHT AFTER THIS.

>> CHICAGO TONIGHT, BLACK VOICES IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY 5TH 3005TH BANK AND BY THE SUPPORT OF THESE DONORS.

>> THERE WE BELIEVE WOULD DIVERSE VOICES ARE HEARD AND EMPOWERED COMMUNITIES ARE MADE STRONGER A FUTURE HOLDS GREAT PROMISE FOR ALL.

THAT'S WHY WE'RE PROUD TO SUPPORT CHICAGO.

TONIGHT.

BLACK VOICES TOGETHER.

WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER.

WE CAN DRIVE CHANGE.

>> IT'S DOWN TO THE WIRE FOR ILLINOIS'S INVEST IN KIDS PROGRAM.

AND SO FAR STATE LAWMAKERS ARE NOT SHOWING AN APPETITE TO COME TO ITS RESCUE.

THE PROGRAM GIVES INCOME TAX CREDITS TO DONORS WHOSE CONTRIBUTIONS PAY LOW-INCOME STUDENTS TO ATTEND PRIVATE SCHOOLS.

AMANDA VAN JOINS US NOW LIVE FROM THE STATE HOUSE.

AMANDA, WHY IS THIS PROGRAM ON THE BRINK?

>> WELL, BRANDIS I HAVE TALKED TO SOME TRUE BELIEVERS THAT REALLY ARE HOLDING OUT FOR A HAIL MARY AND THAT IS WHAT IT IS GOING TO TAKE.

EVEN SOME OF ITS JUST SUPPORTERS ADMIT THAT THIS PROGRAM REALLY IS ALL BUT DEAD.

THAT IS NOT DUE TO A LACK OF INTEREST.

YOU HAVE NEARLY 10,000 STUDENTS ATTENDING PRIVATE AND TRADE SCHOOLS ACROSS ILLINOIS.

THANKS TO THE SCHOLARSHIPS FROM INVEST IN KIDS AND ADVOCATES SAY AT LEAST DOUBLE THAT ARE TRYING TO GET ONE THERE ON A WAITING LIST.

NOW IT IS.

SO IT'S IT'S NOT INTEREST.

WHAT IS IT WILL REALLY THIS GOES BACK THAT THIS WAS SET UP TO BE AN EXPERIMENT.

THIS WAS A PRIORITY FOR FORMER GOVERNOR BRUCE RAUNER.

>> WHO, BY THE WAY, LONG GONE.

HE'S A RESIDENT OF FLORIDA.

NOW.

THIS WAS NEVER A LANDMARK PROGRAM FOR GOVERNOR JB PRITZKER, WHO REALLY HAS REMAINED ON THE SIDELINES HERE AND YOU IT DOESN'T HAVE STRONG REAL ADVOCATES IN DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP HERE IN FACTS.

REALLY, IT'S JUST THE OPPOSITE BECAUSE UNIONS, TEACHERS, UNIONS TO SEE THIS IS A BACKDOOR TO VOUCHERS AND THEY ARE REALLY PUTTING ON PRESSURE WITH THEIR DEMOCRATIC ALLIES TO ALLOW THIS PROGRAM TO END.

>> SO, AMANDA, WHAT DOES THIS MEAN THEN FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE RECEIVING THESE SCHOLARSHIPS NOW?

WELL, WITHOUT FUNDING, IT MEANS THAT THOSE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE GOING TO RUN OUT.

THEY'LL FINISH THE SCHOOL YEAR.

BUT THEN NEXT YEAR, WILL THERE BE MONEY FOR THEM TO ATTEND?

IT COULD BE ON THESE PRIVATE SCHOOLS TO PRIVATELY FUND RAISE SOMETHING THAT'S SAFE.

THEY SAY THAT THEY ARE DOING, BUT IT IS NOT AS EASY WITHOUT THIS TAX CREDIT.

I ALSO SPOKE WITH A CATHOLIC LEADER WHO TOLD ME IF THIS PROGRAM DOES GO AWAY, THERE IS AN EXPECTATION THAT SOME PRIVATE SCHOOLS ARE GOING TO CLOSE.

ANOTHER POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCE.

THERE IS A PREDICTION THAT THERE COULD BE A LAST MINUTE SURGE IN DONATIONS THIS MONTH IN DECEMBER BEFORE THE PROGRAM WOULD EXPIRE IS YOU HAVE MAYBE SOME INDIVIDUALS TRYING TO TAKE A LAST MINUTE ADVANTAGE OF GETTING THAT TAX CREDIT.

AND ALSO, YOU KNOW, HOW DOES THIS IMPACT BLACK STUDENTS IN PARTICULAR?

PRINTS?

YOU KNOW, THAT HAS BEEN A REAL PART.

POINT OF THAT DISCUSSION HERE.

AND YOU HAVE BACKERS SAYING THAT THIS IS GOING TO IN PARTICULAR HARM BLACK STUDENTS WHO FOR WHATEVER REASON DON'T WANT TO ATTEND PRIVATE SERVE THE PUBLIC SCHOOL THAT IS NEAR THEM.

BE AT THAT.

IT IS LOW PERFORMING OR THEY WERE BULLIED.

WHAT HAVE YOU?

BUT THAT THEY MIGHT BE FORCED TO LEAVE THAT PRIVATE SCHOOL BECAUSE THEY CAN TO FORD ATTEND GOING FORWARD.

THEN YOU ALSO HAVE CRITICS WHO SAY THAT NOT ENOUGH OF THE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE GOING TO STUDENTS OF COLOR.

THERE HAD BEEN A COMPROMISE ON THE TABLE THAT WOULD SEEK TO REALLY IMPROVE THAT DAY TO GET MORE SCHOLARSHIPS, GOING TO STUDENTS OF COLOR PRINT IN PARTICULAR, BLACK STUDENTS IN THAT WOULD BE BY GIVING A BIGGER TAX CREDIT TO DONORS WHOSE MONEY FUNDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDENTS FROM UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES, INCLUDING MANY IN CHICAGO THAT ARE HOME TO FAMILIES OF COLOR.

SO AMANDA, WHAT'S NEXT?

>> WELL, BEN US WHAT'S NEXT IS THERE HAS BEEN ACTUALLY A LOT OF ACTIONS SURROUNDING INVEST IN KIDS.

THESE 2 WEEKS OF THE VETO SESSION, EVEN JUST THESE PAST COUPLE OF DAYS.

>> BUT THAT IS REALLY ALL BEEN IN THE FORM OF RALLIES AS YOU HAVE FAMILIES AND STUDENTS LIKE IS THE CHICAGO BROTHERS WHO ARE BESEECHING LAWMAKERS TO SAVE OUR SCHOLARSHIPS.

IT'S CHANGED OUR DIRECTION.

>> AND OVER IN THE PATHWAY TO WITHOUT AN EXTENSION INVEST IN KIDS THAT AND THEN A TAX CREDIT SCHOLARSHIP.

IT WILL BE CATASTROPHIC.

>> NOW, GOVERNOR JB PRITZKER HAS SAID THAT HE WOULD SIGN AN EXTENSION FOR INVEST IN KIDS IF IT REACHES HIS DESK.

BUT THAT IS A BIG IF PRITZKER HAS NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN NEGOTIATIONS, SOMETHING THAT REPUBLICANS SAY IS INAPPROPRIATE.

THEY SAY HE SHOULD BE INVOLVED HERE.

AND AGAIN, ANOTHER BIG IF IS YOU COULD SEE THE HOUSE IS EMPTY.

THEY HAVE ADJOURNED FOR THE DAY.

THAT MEANS THAT THERE IS JUST ONE SINGLE SCHEDULED SESSION DAY BEFORE THE END OF THE CALENDAR YEAR.

AND SO BARRING ANY LAST MINUTE, AS I SAID, THE BEGINNING, BARRING A LAST-MINUTE HAIL MARY, THEN THAT MEANS THAT INVEST IN KIDS IS GOING TO ESSENTIALLY ABLE LET TO LET GO.

IT WILL EXPIRE.

IT WILL FADE BY THE END OF THE YEAR.

AND YOU CAN SUE SAY THAT THEY WANT TO TRY HOWEVER, COME 2024, THEY BE DOING SO FROM SCRATCH.

LIKE YOU AND IT LOOKS LIKE A LOT MORE ON THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE HAPPENING OUTSIDE OF THE CAPITOL BUILDING.

THEN ACTUALLY INSIDE, OF COURSE, WE'LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS TOMORROW.

MANNEQUIN, SPRINGFIELD, THANK YOU.

>> UP NEXT, AS THE NATION FACES GROWING FOOD INSECURITY, HOW CHICAGOANS ARE HELPING PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE.

STAY WITH US.

THANKSGIVING USUALLY CALLS FOR FILLING YOUR STOMACH WITH TURKEY, MASHED POTATOES DESSERT.

BUT FOR MANY, IT'S NOT THAT SIMPLE.

ACCORDING TO THE GREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY, ONE IN 5 HOUSEHOLDS IN THE CHICAGO METRO AREA ARE FACING FOOD INSECURITY.

MEANWHILE, A NATIONAL REPORT FOUND THAT 17 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS WERE FOOD INSECURE AT SOME POINT IN 2022.

A SIGNAL THAT FOOD INSECURITY IS ON THE RISE.

JOINING US NOW WITH MORE ON THIS.

OUR JOE ROCKMAN CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER WITH THE GREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY, ANGELA TAYLOR WELLNESS COORDINATOR FOR THE GARFIELD PARK COMMUNITY COUNCIL.

WILSON, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE SHRIVER CENTER ON POVERTY LAW AND A MEMBER OF THE ILLINOIS COMMISSION TO END HUNGER AND REGGIE GUY, DIRECTOR OF THE SENIOR COMMODITY BOX PROGRAM WITH THE WOODLAWN COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY.

THANKS TO ALL 4 OF YOU FOR JOINING US.

THANK YOU FOR HAVING ROCKMAN STARTING WITH YOU, PLEASE.

AS WE SAID, THE HOLIDAYS ARE QUICKLY APPROACHING.

GIVE US A SENSE OF WHAT THEY NEED LOOKS LIKE RIGHT NOW.

WELL, AS YOU OPENED THAT, THAT THE STORY THAT NEED IS >> WHAT WE SAW IN THE REPORT THAT CAME OUT ABOUT THE INCREASING IN 2022.

IS EXACTLY WHAT WE SAW AT THE GREAT CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY.

AN INCREASE FROM 21 TO 22.

AND, YOU KNOW, WE WOULD ALL SAY THOSE RESULTS WERE DISAPPOINTING AND DISHEARTENING, AND, YOU KNOW, WE DID NOT WANT TO SEE THOSE.

IT WAS NOT WE HAVE SEEN THE INCREASE.

AND, YOU KNOW, WE'VE RESPONDED TO IT AND, YOU KNOW, IT IS OUR GOAL TO TO CONTINUE TO DO THAT IN 2023 AS WE CONTINUE TO SEE THE INCREASE IN NEED.

>> GIVE US A SENSE, IF YOU WOULD, HOW WOULD YOU COMPARE HOW HUNGER IN OUR COUNTRY LOOKS COMPARED TO HUNGER IN DEVELOPING NATIONS?

FIRST AND FOREMOST, A LOT OF PEOPLE DO ACKNOWLEDGE THE HUNGER IS A CRISIS IN THE UNITED STATES BECAUSE WE DON'T THINK OF IT IN THE SAME WAY AS WE THINK OF OTHER COUNTRIES.

>> BUT THE FACT IS THERE ARE SO MANY FAMILIES THAT ARE EXPERIENCING THE INABILITY TO PAY FOR THEIR GROCERIES.

THE INABILITY HAVE THAT THEY'RE SKIPPING MEALS.

THEY ARE OR THERE LOCATIONS WHERE THEY'RE NOT GETTING ACCESS TO QUALITY FOOD.

SO IT'S EASIER TO GET CHIPS AND VERY UNHEALTHY FOODS THAN IT IS TO GET FRESH PRODUCE.

SO THIS IS HOW HUNGER MANIFEST ITSELF IN THE UNITED STATES FOOD INSECURITY MANIFESTS THE UNITED STATES.

AND EVEN THOUGH IT DOES TRANSCEND RACE AND ETHNICITY, UNFORTUNATELY, THOSE DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACT COMMUNITIES OF COLOR.

>> THE CENSUS BUREAU'S RECENT POVERTY REPORT SHOW THE PARTY ROSE TO 12.2% IN 2022.

MORE THAN DOUBLED FROM 2021.

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE CAUSE OF THIS IS AND HOW DOES THAT TIE INTO FOOD INSECURITY?

>> TIES DIRECTLY INTO THE ENDING OF THE PANDEMIC RELATED BENEFITS THAT WERE EXTENDED FOR THOSE FAMILIES WHO MOST IN NEED.

SO IT IS NOT SURPRISING TO A DIRECT CORRELATION WITH THE DROP IN THE END OF THOSE BENEFITS, ESPECIALLY THIS YEAR WHEN THE EMERGENCY BENEFITS FOR SNAP WERE DISCONTINUED FOR ILLINOIS RESIDENTS COME FEBRUARY.

SO OUR PANEL IS GOING TO TALK ABOUT THE FACT THAT YOU SEE THE MEDIA UPTICK IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO GOING TO PANTRIES AND THAT DOESN'T EVEN INCLUDE INCREASE OF MIGRANTS WHO COME TO THE.

>> 2 CHICAGO AREA ARE ALSO PROFITS THE STRESS ON PANTRIES.

SO UNFORTUNATELY, IT'S NOT A COINCIDENCE, RIGHT, RIGHT.

AND WE'RE JUST DEFINITELY GONNA COME BACK TO BOTH OF THOSE THAT YOU MENTIONED WITH REGARD TO THE PANDEMIC ERA OF BENEFITS COMING TO AN END AS WELL AS THE INFLUX OF MIGRANTS INTO THE COMMUNITY.

>> REGGIE, YOU'VE BEEN HELPING DIRECTLY HUNDREDS OF IN YOUR COMMUNITY.

HOW WOULD YOU THE NEED HAS CHANGED FROM A YEAR AGO?

>> WELL, NEWS HAYNES, DRASTICALLY FROM A YEAR AGO, AS YOU GUYS STAY WITH THE PANDEMIC BENEFITS PEOPLE NEED SEE A PROBLEM IN OF AND EMPLOYMENT UNEMPLOYMENT.

THESE 2 FACTORS DIRECTLY AFFECT OUR COMMUNITIES.

PEOPLE HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN BUYING FOOD OR PAYING FOR HOUSING, BUYING FOOD OR PAYING FOR MEDICAL SERVICES.

SO THIS IS REALLY IMPACTING OUR COMMUNITY AND THAT'S WHERE THE NEED FOR FOOD HAS GROWN SO MUCH OVER THE PAST YEAR, WHICH THE DEMOGRAPHICS OF SOME OF THE PEOPLE THAT YOU SERVE HAVE CHANGED.

YES.

SO WHEN WE START A FOOD PANTRY IN 2019, OUR DEMOGRAPHICS OF 90 STAYING 60 AND OVER ABOUT 90%.

NOW TODAY SEE 50% SAYING THERE'S A 50 50% PEOPLE AGES 18 TO 55.

OUR DEMOCRATIC REPS HAVE CHANGED AS PARDON ONLY ALL-BLACK FULL PITCH SERVICE ALL BLACK RESIDENTS AND WOULD LIKE TO DATE WITH THE INFLUX OF MIGRANTS.

WE ALSO HAVE A HIGH LATINO MIGRANT POPULATIONS COMES FOOD PANTRIES RECEIVE TO THE NEEDY.

>> I'M JUST GOING TO BUILD BOTH OF THE THE DECLINE OF STRENGTHENING THE SAFETY A FACTOR.

BUT THE FACT IT'S AT THE SAME TIME THAT INFLATION IS AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH.

YOU KNOW, THAT'S JUST THE INTERSECTION OF THOSE 2 IS CREATING THE INCREASED NEED THAT WE'RE SEEING IN IN BOTH ARE CRITICAL FACTORS.

YES.

>> I'M ANGELA.

YOU ALL OPENED A GROCERY STORE POP UP THIS WEEK.

TELL US WHY YOU FEEL THERE'S A NEED FOR THAT IN GARFIELD PARK.

ABSOLUTELY.

NO GROCERY IN ANY DIRECTION.

ONE MOUNT NORTH-SOUTH YOUTHS, THE >> YOU WILL NOT FIND ME QUALITY GROCERY STORE OR GROCERY STORE.

IT ALL IN THE GARFIELD PARK COMMUNITY.

WE'VE BEEN FOOD SECURITY ADDRESSING AND FAMILY ISSUES FROM GROIN FOOD BECAUSE WE'VE HOST A NEIGHBORHOOD FARMERS MARKET FOR THE 11 YEARS TRYING TO TEACH COMMUNITY WHERE HEALTHY FOOD COMES FROM, WHICH IS IN THE AND WE ALL HAVE THE ABILITY TO BE ABLE TO GARNER SOME OF OUR FIELDS, RIGHT WHERE WE NEED WE DON'T NEED A FULLBACK.

YOU CAN GO DOLE'S TO CONGRESS IN IT CONTAIN, BUT THE NEED FOR THE GROCERY STORE WAS BECAUSE OF THE ENCLOSURE OF THE SAVE.

LET DUE TO THE RENOVATIONS HAVING THEM CLOSE EARLY BEING CLOSE TO THE HOLIDAY.

WE COULDN'T JUST SIT ON THIS AND NOT IT.

NOWHERE.

YOU'VE GOT TO GET ON THE BUS, TAKING A CAUSE, ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO THE COMMUNITY ACCESS.

AND SO, OF COURSE, IT'S DIFFERENT.

THIS IS A GROCERY STORE, NOT FOOD PANTRY WHERE FOOD IS IS GIVING AWAY WITHOUT COST HOW WE PRICING ITEMS SO THAT, YOU KNOW, HEALTHY FOODS ARE STILL AFFORDABLE TO THE COMMUNITY.

WE'RE HAVING COMPETITIVE PRICES.

>> BASED ON ITEM STATE, WHEN WE SEEN WE HAVE A GREAT TEAM OF YOUNG PEOPLE DOING THE RESEARCH TO SEE WHAT THE PRICES ARE.

A CROSS.

COMMUNITY HAS DEVELOPED A GROCERY STORE ADMISSION YOU OF COMMUNITY PARTNERS THAT HAVE BEEN MEETING THINGS TO LAST YEAR TO FIGURE COLLECT DATA FROM THE COMMUNITY ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF GROCERY STORE THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN THE COMMUNITY AND WHAT TYPE OF FOOD ITEMS THEY WOULD LIKE TO EVEN AT THE POP UP HERE RIGHT NOW THAT WE HAVE EACH AND EVERY CUSTOMER IS GREETED WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THE CONVERSATION IS SAFE WITH HIM TO TAKE THAT.

THE PROTESTS HAVE MANY PEOPLE YOU SHOP AND 4, WHAT TYPE OF PRODUCT.

SO YOU'RE LOOKING FOR THAT YOU DON'T SEE HERE TODAY SO THAT WE CAN INCORPORATE THAT INTO A IN THE AND LIKE AND BEFORE PACE WE WERE OPEN, MAYBE ONE DAY A WEEK OR 2 DAYS A WEEK.

WE'RE OPEN FOR DAYS WEEKEND.

WE WILL BE RUNNING THROUGH THE END OF THE YEAR.

AND WE'RE HOPING THAT GROCERY STORE THAT WE HAVE IN THE COMMUNITY OPEN BY THE JOE, WHAT DO YOU THINK?

FOOD INSECURITY CONTINUES TO RISE DESPITE BEING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PANDEMIC SOMEWHAT.

>> WELL, WHAT WE'VE SEEN IS THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC.

PEOPLE LOSING JOBS, INFLATION, THOSE DON'T PIVOT QUICKLY, TOO SOLUTIONS.

AND SO THEIR LONG-STANDING SOLUTION.

SO I DO THINK IT'S THE INTERSECTION OF THOSE THINGS.

I THINK THE IS CRITICAL.

YOU KNOW, I WOULD ALSO SAY LOOK AT WHERE IT'S HAPPENING.

SO WHEN YOU PEEL THAT ONION BACK ON THE ON THE RESEARCH, YOU'LL SEE THAT HOUSEHOLDS WITH CHILDREN ARE.

I'M MORE LIKELY TO FOOD INSECURE IN CHICAGO.

BLACK HOUSEHOLDS WITH CHILDREN ARE 33% OF THOSE.

AND SO WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THE ISSUES OF POVERTY.

WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THE ISSUES OF INEQUITY.

WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THAT.

THIS INVESTMENT AND THEN ADDRESS THOSE ISSUES SOLUTIONS.

AND THAT'S PART OF THE FOCUS FOR THE FOOD DEPOSITORY.

WE, OF COURSE, PROVIDE FOOD THE LEVEL A DIVE RESPONSE IN THE FOOD RESPONSE.

BUT IT'S ALSO STRATEGIES AROUND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THAT WE THINK ARE CRITICAL >> ADVOCATES AS WE'VE DISCUSSED OF STRESSED, YOU KNOW, ROLLING BACK THOSE PANDEMIC ERA PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS LIKE THE CHILD TAX CREDIT EMERGENCY SNAP BENEFITS AND THE IMPACT THAT HAD ON FOOD INSECURITY THE FAMILIES THAT NEED WHAT'S THE LIKELIHOOD THAT WASHINGTON REINSTATE ANY OF >> WE'RE GOING TO KEEP FIGHTING NO MATTER WHAT.

FACT OF THE MATTER IS, WE KNOW THAT POVERTY AND POVERTY AND HUNGER.

THESE ARE POLICY CHOICES.

THIS IS NOT THE FAILING OF AN INDIVIDUAL BUT A FEELING OF OUR SYSTEM.

AND SO WE AS AFRICANS CONTINUE TO PUSH BECAUSE WE'VE SEEN THE ACTUAL BENEFITS OF AN INFUSION MONEY.

INFUSION OF FOOD INVESTMENTS THAT WE'RE MAKING PEOPLE.

AND SO YOU DON'T NEED ANY MORE EVIDENCE AND WHAT YOU'VE SEEN WITH CHILD POVERTY RATES OVERALL, POVERTY RATES, HUNGER RATES DECLINING DURING THE PANDEMIC.

SO EVIDENCE IS RIGHT THERE.

SO WE'RE CONTINUING TO PUSH FOR THINGS, FOR EXAMPLE, LIKE FEE STRENGTHENING AT THE SNAP WHICH HAS BEEN THE CORNERSTONE OF A HUNGER PROTECTION PROGRAM THAT EXPECTING AGAINST HUNGER IN UNITED STATES.

WE NEED TO BOLSTER OUR CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS BECAUSE WE'VE SEEN THEIR IMPACT, ESPECIALLY DURING THE PANDEMIC.

WHEN YOU HAD SCHOOL BREAKFAST SCHOOL LUNCH AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS THAT WE'RE FEEDING KIDS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE IF IT DID NOT HAVE THAT SUPPORT.

JILL SAID THIS SO ELOQUENTLY AND THAT IS HOW WE REALLY HAVE TO ADDRESS THIS ROOT CAUSES OF POVERTY BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE'RE TALKING ABOUT IS WHEN PEOPLE ARE IMPOVERISHED, PEOPLE STRUGGLING NICE WITH THE MONEY TO BE ABLE SUPPORT THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES.

AND YOU'RE GOING TO SEE THAT CORRELATION BETWEEN RATES HUNGER, RISING IN FOOD, INSECURITY.

SO WE REALLY NEED TO GO TO BECAUSE AS MAKING SURE THAT PEOPLE ARE BEING PAID A LIVING WAGE, PEOPLE HAVE ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTH CARE THAT PEOPLE HAVE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING BECAUSE THEY ALL INTERSECT.

YOU MENTIONED HEALTH CARE.

REGGIE, YOUR PANTRIES FOCUS NOT ONLY ON FEEDING PEOPLE BUT MENTAL HEALTH OUT OF THE 2 GOING.

YES.

SO WE TAKE A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO FOOD SECURITY ISSUES THAT WE HAVE IN OUR COMMUNITY.

SO NOW NOT ONLY DO WE HAVE A FOOD DISTRIBUTION TWICE A WEEK.

WE ALSO PARTNER WITH ORGANIZATIONS SUCH NUMBER CAR WILL MISS THAT'S A NATION.

>> CLINICS ALSO PROVIDE HEALTH AS WELL AND HELP SEMINARS CURRENTLY WORKING, YOU KNOW, VERSUS CHICAGO TO ADDRESS THE GROWING MET MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES THAT WE HAVE IN OUR COMMUNITY.

A LOT OF OUR OWN FOOD PANTRY.

CLIENTS ARE GOING THROUGH A LOT OF DIFFERENT THINGS IN LIFE.

DON'T KNOW HOW TO DEAL WITH IT KNOWING DIFFERENT RESOURCES, SO GO AND LOOK TO GET HELP.

SO WANT TO BRING THOSE RESOURCES TO OUR COMMUNITY TO MAKE SURE THEY CAN HAVE AT THE FOOD PANTRY AS WELL GETTING MENTAL HEALTH SEMINARS AND HEALTH SERVICES.

SO WE KNOW MAYOR JOHNSON IS EXPLORING OPENING A CITY OWNED GROCERY IN AREAS THAT ARE FOOD DESERTS.

ANGELA, DO YOU THINK THE MODEL LIKE THAT MIGHT WORK?

IT COULDN'T.

HOW'S THAT THE PAY ATTENTION TO THE COMMUNITY?

IT'S ONE THING TO COME IN.

THE COMMUNITY CAN HAVE CONVERSATIONS AND PEOPLE SPEAK UP.

AND THEY WANT TO BE INVOLVED AND IT GOES WHEN IT COMES.

FACT, IT DOES IS NOT REFLECTIVE WHAT THOSE COMMUNITIES WE'RE CULTURALLY DIVERSE HERE IN CHICAGO AND WE ALL NEEDS.

BUT IF THE GOVERNMENT COMES LISTEN TO WHAT WE HAVE TO SAY >> AND PROVIDE US WITH NOTHING TO CREATE DAY.

I KIND OF LEAN INTO IS UP TO US TO STAND UP AND STEP OUT FOR A SELF TO GENERATE SOMETHING HAPPENING AND HOPE THAT THEY WILL GET AND SUPPORT US.

>> JILL, WHAT'S YOUR TAKE ON ON CITY OWNED GROCERY STORE?

WELL, IT'S I SPENT THE EARLY PART, MIKE OR IN THE GROCERY INDUSTRY.

AND SO I DO FEEL LIKE IT'S POSSIBLE.

YOU KNOW, ISSUES AROUND COST AND SCALE, BUT THEY'RE ALL THERE ARE SMALL AND LARGE GROCERY STORES ALL AROUND THE COUNTRY THAT DO.

WELL, I THINK YOUR POINT ABOUT I'M LISTENING TO WHAT THE COMMUNITY WANTS IS REALLY WHAT COMPANIES DO.

THEY LISTEN AND THEY THEN STOCK WHAT'S NEEDED AND THEY ARE ALREADY DOING THAT WORK.

SO THE I ASSUME THAT IT'S POSSIBLE AND APPLAUD THE EFFORTS THAT MAKE THAT HAPPEN.

REGGIE 10 SECONDS.

I THINK IT'S GREAT IDEA BY MIA JOHNSON COME UP WITH THE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR PROBLEMS.

WE SAW MATT EXODUS OF THE BIG BUCK STORES SPECIALLY DOING AFTER HE WAS ELECTED.

SO HOPE YOU COME TO THE GREAT SOLUTION TO HELP THE FOOD IS ACCUSING THE WEST OF SOUTHSIDE OF CHICAGO.

OK, WE'LL HAVE TO LEAVE IT THERE.

MY THANKS TO ALL FOR A VETO ROCK MINE.

ANGELA TAYLOR ARE THE WILSON REGGIE GUY FOR JOINING US.

APPRECIATE IT.

THANK YOU.

>> UP NEXT, OUR RETIRED PRO BASEBALL PLAYER IS GIVING BACK TO CHICAGO KIDS.

BUT FIRST, A LOOK AT THE WEATHER.

CURTIS GRANDERSON SPENT 16 SEASONS PLAYING MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL.

NOW HE'S PASSING DOWN THOSE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF PLAYERS AND INSPIRING THEM TO PURSUE COLLEGE CHICAGO.

TONIGHT'S JOANNA HERNANDEZ TELLS US ABOUT THE GRANDE MAN'S BASEBALL ACADEMY.

>> I WAS IN THEIR SHOES AND I WAS ALSO IN YOUR SHOES.

I STARTED PLAYING WHEN I WAS 6 YEARS OLD.

CURTIS GRANDERSON IS RETIRED FROM MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL, BUT HE'S STILL MAKING MOVES ON THE FIELD.

THESE ARE THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF BASEBALL PLAYERS THAT YOU CAN BECOME WITHOUT GOING PROFESSIONAL LEVEL AND ALL OF THEM ARE STRIVING TO BECOME PROS.

>> GRANDERSON IS THE FOUNDER OF CHICAGO, BASEBALL AND EDUCATIONAL RUNS IT AT HIS ALMA MATER.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO.

WE BUILT THE STADIUM WHERE WE'RE SITTING RIGHT NOW IN 2014 AND THEN 2 YEARS LATER, OK, HOW DO WE GET THE COMMUNITY ACCESS TO THIS?

AMAZING GOT CAUGHT THE BEST VIEW IN BASEBALL.

THE ORGANIZATION WANTS A VARIETY OF CAMPS, CLINICS IN TOURNAMENTS FOR KIDS ACROSS CHICAGO ALL YEAR LONG.

I WANT TALKS ABOUT HOW SEGREGATED THE CITY AND BASEBALL IN SPORT.

FEEL LIKE IS A REALLY GOOD NEUTRALIZE ARE BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER THE 3 TIME.

MLB ALL-STAR SAYS THE PROGRAM'S MISSION IS TO EMPOWER YOUTH BY PLAYING HARD AND DREAM AND WHEN I WAS PLAYING MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL IS ONE OF A HANDFUL OF PLAYERS WITH A COLLEGE DEGREE.

SO I KNEW THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION.

ALSO GIVING BACK.

I DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS CALLED GIVING BACK AT THE TIME.

I WOULD JUST WATCH MY PARENTS DO 8 YEAR-OLD CAMERON VASQUEZ IS ALREADY THINKING BIG.

DO WANT TO PLAY PROFESSIONALLY.

YES, HOW COME?

SO I COULD BE LIKE THEY'VE YOU LIKE BABE YEAH.

>> TOO BAD.

HE IS THAT WHEN YOU MADE PAY IT PAY NOW FACES UIC BASEBALL PLAYER.

JAMES HARRIS IS ONE OF THE COACHES IN THE ORGANIZATION.

>> IS REALLY JUST ABOUT GIVING BACK FOR IT'S ALWAYS FUN.

AND, YOU KIDS LIKE THEY BEGAN TO THE COLLEGE SENIOR STARTED PLAYING WHEN HE WAS A KID.

>> NOW WORKING TO SCORE A SPOT IN THE BIG LEAGUES.

AND THAT'S DEFINITELY ONE OF THE BIG DREAMS FOR ME.

>> I'M MAKING IT TO THE LEAGUE.

SO MY MINDSET HAVE TO WORK ANYMORE.

CURTIS GRANDERSON BELIEVES ONE WAY TO GET TO THE BIG LEAGUES IS THROUGH EDUCATION.

CURRENTLY LESS THAN 7% OF MLB ROSTERS ARE BLACK.

>> THAT'S ACCORDING TO CENTRAL FLORIDA'S INSTITUTE FOR DIVERSITY AND ETHICS IN SPORT.

>> PAST YEAR IN THE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL DRAFT, 80% OF THE PLAYERS DRAFTED.

WE'RE FROM COLLEGE.

SO IF WE'RE GOING TO DRAFT PLAYERS FROM COLLEGE, WE GOT TO GET MORE PLAYERS INTO COLLEGE.

WE HAVE TO GET MORE PLAYERS OF COLOR INTO COLLEGE FOR SOME KIDS.

THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THEY STEP ONTO A COLLEGE CAMPUS.

>> AND EXPERIENCE GRANDERSON SAYS INSPIRES KIDS TO BECOME A STUDENT ATHLETE.

NOW I'M IN A POSITION.

>> I HAD THE ABILITY TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE, THE FILL THEIR DREAMS.

AND IT MAY NOT NECESSARILY BE AT THE MAJOR LEAGUE LEVEL.

IT COULD BECOME A SCOUT COMING UMPIRE IN THE FIRST TO GO TO COLLEGE IN THE FIRST TO GRADUATE COLLEGE.

WANT TO PLAY FOR THE CUBS.

>> FOR CHICAGO TONIGHT, BLACK VOICES, I'M JOINED HERNANDEZ.

>> SEEMED A LITTLE DIVIDED ON WHO THEY'RE GOING TO PLAY FOR.

GRANDERSON SAYS ALL CAMPS IN TRAINING OR MID TO BE AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE FOR FAMILIES.

IF YOU'D LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CHICAGO, BASEBALL AND EDUCATIONAL ACADEMIES.

PROGRAMMING YOU CAN VISIT OUR WEBSITE.

AND THAT'S OUR SHOW FOR TONIGHT.

JOIN US TOMORROW NIGHT AT 5, 30 10 FOR CHICAGO TONIGHT, LATINO VOICES, LONGTIME UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS ARE PUSHING FOR WORK PERMITS AS NEW ARRIVALS ARE GRANTED TEMPORARY LEGAL STATUS.

AND WE'LL TELL YOU WHERE THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION'S PROPOSAL TO OFFER HEALTH CARE TO DHAKA RECIPIENTS STANDS.

NOW FOR ALL OF US HERE IN CHICAGO TONIGHT, BRANDIS FRIEDMAN STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE AND HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.

>> CLOSED CAPTIONING IS MADE POSSIBLE BY ROBERT, A CLIPPER AND CLIFFORD LAW OFFICES, A CHICAGO PERSONAL INJURY AND WRONGFUL DEATH THAT IS COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING DIVERSITY EQUITY INCLUSION