Hunger Stories on Display in Batavia

One in eight people faces hunger in northern Illinois. Their voice provides a powerful message. 

Hungry neighbors from every county in the 13 county service area of Northern Illinois Food Bank were asked to respond to several statements written on paper plates. Thousands took the time to share their story on the importance of the food they received from Northern Illinois Food Bank’s network of food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and youth and senior centers.

Artist Alison Balcanoff, a former resident artist of Water Street Studios in Batavia, used the plates to create an art piece dedicated to showcasing hunger and highlighting the struggles facing our hungry neighbors.

The artwork will be unveiled in a special showing at Water Street Studio’s Kane County Chronicle Gallery, 160 S. Water St., Batavia, on Wednesday, Aug. 29 from 5-7 p.m. The artwork will then move to the food bank’s West Suburban Center in Geneva for viewing during September.

“With hunger action month just around the corner, I thought it would be a great idea to spread awareness through our programs,” said Joi Cuartero, Art Director, Water Street Studios.

September is Hunger Action Month. All month long, Northern Illinois Food Bank and more than 200 Feeding America food banks across the county are hosting awareness campaigns and events to bring attention to and take action for the cause of hunger.  Northern Illinois Food Bank provides food to more than 60,000 hungry neighbors each week through a network of700 feeding programs in 13 counties.

For a complete list of Hunger Action Month events and other ways to get involved, visit www.SolveHungerToday.org.