The findings come from Map the Meal Gap, Feeding America’s annual study tracking hunger at the local level. Map the Meal Gap is currently in its 15th year and provides county-by-county insights into food insecurity and food costs. The report builds on USDA data showing over 47 million Americans including 14 million children have experienced food insecurity in 2023—the highest in over a decade.
“Dr. Mane’s visit to Parkland as a Fulbright Scholar this academic year was made possible thanks to the efforts of Dean Joseph Walwik who submitted the application to the Department of Education,” says Isabel Scarborough, Department Chair of Arts, Media, and Social Sciences. “Both Arts, Media, and Social Sciences, and Humanities are grateful for Dr. Mane’s contributions which added to our student’s academic experiences and enhanced faculty collegiality.”
“Meridian is deeply committed to the health and well-being of our members and the communities we serve, and that starts with how we fuel our bodies,” said Rutu Ezhuthachan, MD, Meridian Chief Medical Officer. “At Meridian we believe food is medicine. Providing our members with access to farmers markets with fresh fruits and vegetables will help our members to be healthy and happy. We recognize that access to nutritious food is a fundamental component of good health, and we are proud to partner with these local farmers markets to make fresh, affordable produce more accessible in areas where it is needed most.”
Most facilities will open by Memorial Day weekend, with extended hours and special events scheduled throughout the season.
The Cunningham team behind the Gerber Education Program is helping every student feel safe thanks to an increase in sensory support tools and inclusive resources. Flexible seating options, such as wobble stools, and baskets filled with sensory tools like stress balls, pop-its, magic putty, and grippy toys are essential elements to helping students self-regulate and thrive.
The CobraVenture accelerator program helps students with networking and business mentorship. It features collaboration, teaching by local entrepreneurs, and one-on-one guidance with business mentors. It also operates with with oversight from an advisory committee comprised of faculty and community leaders. Beginning the 2025 spring semester, this year’s CobraVenture cohort includes students from a variety of academic programs who aspire to start their own business while still enrolled at Parkland.
“The Evans Center is more than a tribute to Jim Evans’ legacy — it’s a bold commitment to the future of global agricultural communications,” said Anna Ball, associate dean for academic programs. “Through this center, we’re empowering students and professionals to connect cultures, elevate science, and drive progress in food and agriculture around the world.”
The passport highlights the distance of each trail, where to access, accessibility information, and more. Users who hike at least 20 trails across the area will earn a new t-shirt design, created by local artist, David Michael Moore. The shirt highlights notable icons in area parks from the Sun Singer at Allerton Park & Retreat Center to the Natural Playscape at Homer Lake and sculpture garden at Meadowbrook Park.
Whether you’re a seasoned home canner or just curious about turning fresh produce into jams and pickles, the University of Illinois Extension invites you to “Preserve at Home,” a hands-on workshop series offered this June in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt counties.
This marks the 22nd Anniversary of the Dunkin’ partnership with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois. Nearly $10 million has been raised over the years in Illinois. The event is scheduled for Friday, May 16 from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Law enforcement will be at Dunkin’ locations to rally the communities in support of their local Special Olympics athletes.
All proceeds benefit Special Olympics Illinois.