Hunger Resource Network board member shares food insecurity challenges

Amy Levin Schneider can now freely share an important reminder — food insecurity has no boundaries.

As a member of the Hunger Resource Network (HRN) Board of Directors, she recounts her experiences and lends her voice to help alleviate the challenges of hunger in the Chicago area and suburban communities.

“Hunger is all around us and has many different faces. Food insecurity can happen to anyone at any time, including the Northern suburbs.

“If people in affluent communities can be impacted by hunger, imagine how many people are struggling in less prosperous communities,” said Amy who faced food insecurity challenges after a difficult divorce in 2013.

“Eleven years ago, I went through a divorce while living in Highland Park,” Amy said. I will bet you are having a hard time believing that someone like me, with a good education, has experienced food insecurity, right? But the truth is, I have. Hunger has many faces.”

Suddenly, Amy found herself a single mother trying to support two children. She and her ex-husband worked in the same business, but when the marriage ended, it was no longer an option for her to work there.

“I needed to find another job as soon as possible,” Amy recalled.

A work colleague told her, “’You are a single mom, Amy. You are entitled to SNAP benefits.’ So, I went on the internet and applied for the SNAP Program (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and I used that assistance to provide healthy food for my kids. We also went on Medicaid for health insurance coverage,” Amy explained.

“I was extremely lucky, but that clearly is not the case for many people,” Amy points out. “My parents were very generous and helped me financially. Fortunately, my dad had an opening for a loan processor (She earned her mortgage license in 2020) in his company and he hired me.

“After a short time on the job, I was once again able to afford adequate food and health care for my children and myself.”

Keynote speaker at recent Hunger Resource Network fundraising luncheon

“The reality is that there is a stigma with needing help or not having what others have on the North Shore,” Amy believes.

She shared her challenges only with her parents and brother. She did not want her young children to feel a ‘stigma’ because of her financial challenges.

“I know that I was not the only struggling single parent out there in the community. There is no shame in getting help. And I am very grateful,” she added.

In May 2024, Amy shared her story with nearly 300 strangers at the annual Hunger Resource Network fundraising luncheon as well as her friends group … and the reception was incredibly positive.

Her message to the luncheon attendees: “Thankfully, organizations like HRN are tackling this enormous problem. We are fortunate that many of us in this room have the means to help eradicate food insecurity.

“So please, I am asking you to join me right now in donating to Hunger Resource Network. Thank you so much for doing your part to “Take A Bite Out of Hunger!” You are all Hunger Heroes!”

About Hunger Resource Network: “Poultry to Pantries Day”

Hunger Resource Network hosts ‘Poultry to Pantries Day’ events twice yearly in the spring and fall. They are conducted at HRN’s headquarters in Northbrook.

“Poultry to Pantries Day” is another important reminder that food insecurity has no boundaries. It is the day when 120,000 pounds of frozen 10 lb. packages of chicken are distributed to almost one hundred food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters throughout Chicago to help lessen hunger in food insecure households.

“Each ½ pound of chicken equals one serving of healthy protein. The need is so great most of the chicken is served that evening or within a few days,” said Kerry Smith, Director of Development at HRN.

Supporting communities where poverty can be hidden

One of the recipient agencies during “Poultry to Pantries Day” is New Trier Township Food Pantry serving Wilmette, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Glencoe, about half Northfield, and portions of Glenview.

Brian Leverenz, food pantry manager, who coordinated the frozen chicken pickup on “Poultry to Pantries Day,” last spring, said “We are serving wealthy communities where poverty is more well-hidden. We have about 250-275 visitors a month to our pantry and the need is there. We count on HRN every year.”

He added,” New Trier Township is consistently ranked among the wealthiest areas in the United States.

“Adversity, however, knows no boundaries. Our clients face job loss, devastating illness, divorce, underemployment, other unforeseen life circumstances that prompt them to seek our assistance,” he said.

Learn more about Hunger Resource Network

HRN is a 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to working in partnership with corporations and individuals who share a commitment to feed the hungry. Its mission is to aid in the alleviation of hunger by helping meet the needs of food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters.

Twice each year, HRN hosts “Poultry to Pantries Day” when a total of 240,000 pounds of frozen chicken is distributed to approximately one hundred organizations providing food to those in need throughout Chicago.

Established in 2009, HRN has dozens of businesses, foundations, local organizations, and individuals all known as “Hunger Heroes” who are benefactors.

Visit: hungerresourcenetwork.org/partners

For additional information, to contribute or to volunteer, contact HRN at (847) 272-1700 or go to hungerresourcenetwork.org.

To donate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VG2DCCT6A35AC