Joyce Lewis, Grant Coordinator with The Ogle County Health Department was in studio to record a new podcast, that will be available each month on The Regional Media Podcast network, located at the top of the page at regionalmedianews.com. This story is just a portion of the topics discussed in the first “All About The ACTion Grant”.
ACTion stands for “Addressing Conditions to Improve Population Health.” Ogle County Health Department was awarded the grant in October of 2023.
The grant is for 3 years, and the Ogle County Health Department is working with a multi-sectoral coalition consisting of county health departments in the
four-county catchment areas of Lee, Whiteside, Carroll, and Ogle counties, county partnerships, Department of Human Service offices, local hospitals,
as well as a variety of other social service agencies to address Food and Nutrition Security.
In Northern Illinois, the stark reality of food insecurity is becoming increasingly apparent. As the month progresses, local mini food centers see a significant uptick in usage, highlighting a desperate need for continuous support. These centers, crucial in battling hunger, are calling for local businesses to step forward with sponsorships to ensure their sustainability.
In an innovative approach to tackle food insecurity, Mini Food Centers (MFCs) have been installed across a four-county area. Since mid-May, residents in Lee, Carroll, Ogle, and Whiteside counties have had increased access to essential food supplies. Locations include Teen Turf in Amboy, Davis Community Center in Mount Carroll, Conover Square Mall in Oregon, and the YWCA in Sterling. These centers aim to provide relief to individuals and families struggling to secure enough food, offering a crucial resource to bridge the gap in community food services. Local feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, citing improved access and reduced stress around meal times.
