The Illinois Hunger Coalition (IHC) is a statewide membership organization that works to alleviate hunger through education, networking, advocacy and empowerment activities. Projects are designed and resources are pursued to achieve progress towards the implementation of the mission. IHC works to alleviate hunger through:
At the core of the IHC's mission is public education about hunger, why hunger exists and to propose effective solutions to achieve food security. IHC operates a statewide initiative, the Building Blocks Project. With the motto of "Feeding Kids, Building Communities," this project: raises awareness of childhood hunger; and links community services and programs to food and nutrition initiatives. Because of this project, approximately 20,000 children have received access to meals they did not have previously.
Through the Hunger Hotline, a statewide toll-free 800 number, callers can: receive free and friendly information on federal nutrition programs, including qualification guidelines, sites, and application information; find out where emergency food pantries and/or soup kitchens are located in their area; obtain information about welfare reform issues; provide input regarding the Illinois Link program; and learn about other programs that might assist them.
With office in Chicago, IHC actively works to create and maintain open lines of communication with anti-hunger organizations across the state and with allied organizations in the broader poverty arena. IHC's network includes federal, state and local agencies that administer food and nutrition programs. The IHC Annual Meeting provides networking activities by serving as a forum where IHC members and supporters can gather to renew alliances, make new ones, share experiences, and receive technical training on issues and skills that affect the efforts of anti-hunger workers. IHC members receive regularly published UPDATES which provides the latest information on hunger and food security issues. IHC staff also work with member agencies and government organizations around the state conducting training opportunities, attending meetings, and making presentations on the issues of hunger, food security and good nutrition.
IHC believes that hunger and lack of food security are social conditions that are caused primarily by an absence of adequate public policy. IHC actively speaks up for the rights of low-income people and advocates for laws and regulations that are designed to alleviate hunger. Public policy issues are routinely monitored at the federal, state and local levels, and efforts are made to involve organizations and individuals in impacting policy decisions.
IHC's self help & empowerment activities provide avenues to encourage individuals to help themselves and participate in local decision-making processes that affect their lives. Activities have been based in promoting community and back-yard garden projects. IHC also conducts leadership development activities and actively involves low-income people in the decision making process of the organization.