Meet Chicago's First Food Equity Chief
Mayor Lori Lightfoot said last month, "The pandemic has laid bare the many inequities that exist within our city, with food insecurity and historic disinvestment being among the most pressing.” That statement was part of the announcement of the city’s first ever Food Equity Policy Lead, Ruby Ferguson. Ferguson works at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, so she understands that food insecurity in Chicago existed long before the pandemic, with residents in some neighborhoods having to travel miles to find grocery stores or access to fresh produce. Ferguson tells host Jacoby Cochran that addressing these shortages is about more than just plopping a Whole Foods on the block.
Guest: Ruby Ferguson – Food Equity Policy Lead, City of Chicago
Read more about Chicago's Food Equity Council, including a report outlining the scope of the problem.
Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago
Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
How Much To Run For Mayor? Plus, Elise Malary Plaza and City Hall Art Missing
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who has been floated as a potential candidate for mayor, recently received $255,000 from a local un...
Schools' Fundraising, Chicago’s Plan for 78, and ‘Ferris Bueller’s’ Turns 40
Principals, local school councils, and parent groups are getting increasingly creative with their fundraising. In 2025, Chicago schools s...
City Will Buy Greyhound Terminal, Chicago's 'Friendship Recession,' and We Want 4 a.m. Tacos!
Last week, the City Council voted to purchase the downtown Greyhound bus terminal. We discuss the details and what’s next for the critica...
So Everyone's Running For Mayor. Plus, How To Do Pride Fest!
We’ve got more mayoral candidates ahead of February’s primary after former Ald. George Cardenas (12th) officially launched his campaign....
Is Chicago Really Over Ye? Plus, Best Summer Museum Exhibits
A week before the Bears season kicks off, Soldier Field will be home to one of Chicago’s most controversial sons, Kanye West. The Bully t...
Summer Storms Rock Chicago. Plus, Obama Center Neighborhood Guide
Across Chicago, neighbors are still navigating uprooted trees, power outages, and flooding following intense storms last week. Unfortunat...
Banning Cellphones in School. And Why Isn't Chicago Hosting World Cup?
After years of trying, Illinois lawmakers have officially banned cellphones and other devices in classrooms. Gov. JB Pritzker, a vocal su...
Should Chicago Open Public Pharmacies? Plus, CPS Defends Transgender Policies
Walgreens has shuttered two more South Side locations, including the Chatham location, after closing five in 2025. Ald. William Hall (6th...
Are Chicago Bike Lanes Actually Safe? Plus, Ann Sather Closure and Playing Hooky
Ann Sather’s last day on Belmont is June 28. City Cast Chicago contributor Adora Namigadde explains why the closure feels so significant....
Public Pools Open Next Week. Plus, Chicago’s New Women’s Sports Bar
Most of the city’s 77 public pools, 200 water features, and Chicago’s only inland beach are all opening next Friday. Plus, we’ve got more...