Our Chicago Chapter’s Dan, managing director, and Elizabeth, fund development associate, recently joined the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast alongside Patti, principal of Virginia Lake Elementary School, and the owners of Cook, Cork & Fork in Palatine, Illinois.

In this heartfelt conversation, the group explores how collaboration and compassion are helping address food insecurity among local students. Patti shares moving testimony about what Blessings means to families at Virginia Lake, where 150 children receive hunger-free weekends each week (beginning at the 15:30 mark). The episode also highlights the generosity of Cook, Cork & Fork, which selected Blessings to receive proceeds from its September Give-Back Day.

Spanning an hour, the discussion blends personal stories, community partnership, and a shared commitment to ensuring kids have the nourishment they need to thrive.