College of DuPage's Dialogue Over Distance explores reducing health disparities with community action
Join College of DuPage experts this spring as they examine the intersections of prevailing health matters with local community organization leaders and health care providers.
These timely and thought-provoking webinars will focus on the impact of COVID-19, the increasing necessity of social services and the natural desire to cope with adversity through community action.
Presented in partnership with Addison Public Library, Bellwood Public Library, DuPage Pads, Glenside Public Library District, Northwestern Medicine, People's Resource Center and Wheaton Public Library, the free webinars will be presented live via Zoom as part of the "Dialogue Over Distance" series.
The spring series kicks off at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, with "Food is Money: The Economics of Nutrition," a discussion examining the link between food insecurity, health and economics.
Moderated by COD Physical Education Assistant Professor Stephanie Vlach, panelists include COD Assistant Political Science Professor Maureen Heffern Ponicki; COD Fuel Garden Manager Ana Vitek; COD Prairie Manager Remic Ensweiler; People's Resource Center Senior Director of Programs Christina LePage; Your Brainfood Inc. owner Janet Millikan; and Giving DuPage Executive Director Shefali Trivedi.
A November 2020 Consumer Reports survey revealed the harsh reality that one in five Americans were turning to food banks for sustenance. Feeding America reports the COVID-19 crisis has the potential for long-term effects, noting that it took 10 years for food insecurity rates to return to pre-Great Recession levels. National research indicates that families dealing with food insecurity consequently face hardships maintaining good health and additional health care costs. Current public health and economic crises are marked by a significant increase in the number of first-time food pantry clients and compounded by declines in food donations.
COD professors will join local food bank experts and health professionals to discuss the link between food insecurity, health and economics in this information-packed webinar.
Register now at cod.edu/experts.
Additional spring programming includes "Housing is Health Care: Examining the Benefits of Proper Shelter" at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 29. Join local service professionals from different areas of expertise, but united in the mutual goal of improving lives, to discuss barriers in accessing adequate shelter, and thus, better health.
Please note that all Dialogue Over Distance presentations are recorded. Closed-captioned recorded presentations can be found on the College of DuPage YouTube playlist.
The Dialogue Over Distance series grew out of the college's Speakers Bureau in response to COVID-19. Since its start last April, the series has presented on a broad range of topics, including local elections, economic resiliency amid COVID-19, mental health and social inequalities during the pandemic.
Speakers have included experts from COD's faculty and staff, as well as individuals such as Angel Price, attractions engineering services manager for "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge" at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Learn more at cod.edu/experts.
How you can help
Food pantries have a consistent need for nutritious and fresh foods to distribute. Dialogue Over Distance suggests some ways to help:
• Take advantage of "Buy One, Get One" deals the next time you are shopping.
• Plant a little extra this spring and share fresh produce from your garden.
• Volunteer at a food bank near you.
• Thank food bank workers at <a href="https://www.feedingamerica.org/thank-a-food-bank-hero">www.feedingamerica.org/thank-a-food-bank-hero</a>.
Resources:
DuPage County Food Pantry Map at <a href="https://www.dupageco.org/FoodPantries/">www.dupageco.org/FoodPantries</a>.
Community Hunger Network's Food Bank Service Areas at <a href="http://www.communityhungernetwork.org/">www.communityhungernetwork.org</a>.
Northern Illinois Food Bank's "Get Help-Give Help" Guide at https:/<a href="https://solvehungertoday.org/coronavirus/">/solvehungertoday.org/coronavirus/</a>
College of DuPage is taking food insecurity on campus seriously. Learn more about the <a href="https://cod.edu/student_life/cod_cares/pantry/index.aspx">COD Fuel Pantry</a> through a "Food Insecurity" on COD's YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lC_EjtnRMsc&feature=youtu.be">channel</a>.