Chicago City Wire

Mayor Brandon Johnson, City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), and the Greater Chicago Food Depository have launched a new initiative called “Food Security for Life,” aimed at ending hunger among students attending City Colleges. The program was announced at Kennedy-King College’s Great Hall on September 30, with Governor JB Pritzker also in attendance.

According to a 2024 survey conducted by City Colleges, half of its students identified as food insecure. In response, CCC and the Greater Chicago Food Depository are expanding their partnership to better meet student needs through this new initiative.

“Food security is about more than meals. It’s about dignity, stability, and the ability to fully participate in life and learning. Research consistently tells us that food-insecure students are more likely to miss class, perform poorly, or drop out altogether. By ensuring access to nutritious food, City Colleges is making an essential investment in student retention, academic achievement, and long-term community health,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson.

The Food Security for Life program will offer several services including dynamic on-campus markets stocked with groceries, nutritionally balanced frozen meals for students and their families, snack items at various campus locations, improved connections to public benefits such as SNAP and WIC, and living wage apprenticeships for students at the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

“I’m proud to launch the Food Security for Life program, an effort that harnesses the power of the entire community and gives our students and their families access to the food they need to thrive,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As the Trump administration guts the SNAP program and tariffs drive up grocery costs for working families, it’s more important than ever to take steps to end food insecurity and help every Illinoisan get the nourishment they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.”

Kate Maehr, executive director and CEO of the Greater Chicago Food Depository stated: “Right now, there are students at City Colleges with the potential to be future leaders of Chicago and Illinois. We have a responsibility to make sure food insecurity never stands between a student and the successful future they are working so hard to reach. By partnering with City Colleges of Chicago, we are meeting students where they are, providing amazing food and pathways to a lifetime free from hunger.”

Chancellor Juan Salgado of City Colleges added: “Our students come to City Colleges with big dreams, and being hungry should never stand in the way of their education. Food Security for Life is about supporting the whole student. By removing barriers like this, we are helping our students stay enrolled and focused on their education. This program will build brighter futures for our students, their families and for all of Chicago.”

All food services provided through this initiative will be available at no cost thanks in part to donations from supporters such as Knight Impact Partners.

“This is a dynamic partnership between City Colleges and Greater Chicago Food Depository,” said Rebecca Knight, Executive Board Chair of Knight Impact Partners. “By aligning strategy and resources they are eliminating the obstacles and fueling student advancement and economic stability. Where barriers end, opportunity begins.”

Key features include expanded market hours starting January 2026 at Kennedy-King College; snacks-to-go offered across all seven colleges beginning this fall; take-home meals launching initially at three colleges (Malcolm X College, Kennedy-King College, Olive-Harvey College) with plans for expansion; increased support connecting students with public benefits; as well as paid apprenticeship opportunities.

Students seeking more information can visit their campus Wellness Center or check posted service hours.