FAN - Food Access and Nutrition Security

Food insecurity negatively affects children’s physical and mental health, academic achievement, and future economic prosperity. Research shows an association between food insecurity and delayed development in young children; increased risk of chronic illnesses such as asthma and anemia; and behavioral problems, including hyperactivity, anxiety and aggression in school‐age children and adolescents.   

Trusted for its long-standing expertise, Lurie Children’s provides leadership for the West Side Food Collaborative. This Collaborative brings together community food organizations to coordinate efforts, share resources and strengthen the West Side food system. The group convenes on an as- needed basis and is currently focused on supporting WIC awareness, planning for the Medicaid 1115 waiver, and supporting food pantries.  

Lurie Children’s supports West Side food pantries through the Austin and Garfield Park Food Pantry networks and direct partnerships. Through this work, FAN helps West Side food pantries serve more clients, offer more fresh produce and nutritious foods, and provide nutrition education. In Austin, this support builds on existing food efforts through our partnership with Austin Coming Together, and Austin Eats, while work in Garfield Park is supported by the Garfield Park Community Council. 

If you would like to receive the most up-to-date communications from the West Side Food Equity Collaborative or join one of the pantry networks, please contact FAN@luriechildrens.org 

Access the Food Pantry Nutrition Education Toolkit

FAN’s Healthy Corner Store Toolkit includes lessons learned from the Healthy Corner Store project of the Healthy HotSpot initiative in suburban Cook County, IL. It is designed for community organizations interested in identifying, recruiting, and working with local retailers to create a healthy corner store environment. This toolkit describes how to become a Healthy HotSpot in suburban Cook County and serves as a framework for healthy corner store projects seeking to meet their community’s unique identity and needs.

Access the Healthy Corner Store Toolkit

FAN’s Attracting & Retaining Shoppers with SNAP and Link Up Illinois Toolkit highlights strategies for grocery retailers in Garfield Park to promote equitable food access through participation in federal nutrition programs like SNAP, WIC, and Link Up Illinois. Developed through conversations and surveys with Garfield Park residents, this toolkit captures local insights on food access challenges and preferences for improving the neighborhood grocery experience. It offers actionable recommendations to help retailers tailor their stores to the needs and interests of Garfield Park residents, foster trust within the community, and strengthen nutrition security. Designed for grocers, community partners, and advocates, this resource serves as a practical framework for creating inclusive, culturally responsive, and sustainable food retail environments.

2025 Attracting & Retaining Shoppers with SNAP and Link Up Illinois Toolkit