How One Nonprofit is Fighting Food Insecurity in the Community

Last updated: March 26, 2026

You’ve watched your child struggle with the simplest tasks, feeling that spark in their eyes dim just a little more each day. You’ve sat beside them at homework time, feeling your stomach clench as they work twice as hard as their peers just to keep up. That mixture of heartbreak and helplessness you feel isn’t weakness or overreaction—it’s your instincts telling you that something needs to change. And if you’ve spent late nights searching for answers while everyone else sleeps, wondering if you’re the only parent carrying this weight, I want you to know: you’re not alone, you’re not imagining it, and your fierce love for your child is exactly what they need most right now.

TL;DR

Meals in the Meantime is a nonprofit organization addressing food insecurity in the Chicagoland south suburbs.
The organization has given away over 32 tons of food across five major food groups since its inception.
Meals in the Meantime aims to make a difference in the communities it serves by providing a basic need - food.

Understanding the Impact of Food Insecurity on Children’s Learning

Food insecurity is a widespread issue that affects millions of people worldwide, including children. As Kevin M. Yates, the founder of Meals in the Meantime, points out, food is a basic human need that is essential for survival. When children do not have access to nutritious food, it can have a significant impact on their learning and development. Research has shown that food insecurity can lead to decreased cognitive function, lower academic achievement, and increased behavioral problems in children. Furthermore, food insecurity can also affect a child’s ability to focus and pay attention in class, making it even more challenging for them to learn and succeed.

As a parent or educator, it is essential to recognize the signs of food insecurity and take action to support children who may be struggling. This can include providing access to nutritious food, creating a supportive learning environment, and connecting families with resources and services that can help. By working together, we can help ensure that all children have the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.

Kevin M. Yates, founder of Meals in the Meantime, shares how his nonprofit is fighting food insecurity in the community, providing a basic need for those in need and making a difference in the lives of many. Tweet Now Follow Learning Success

The Importance of Addressing Food Insecurity in the Community

Food insecurity is not just a personal issue, but also a community-wide problem that requires a collective response. As Kevin M. Yates notes, Meals in the Meantime is working to address food insecurity in the Chicagoland south suburbs by providing food to those in need. This type of community-based initiative is crucial in helping to alleviate food insecurity and its effects on children’s learning and development.

By supporting organizations like Meals in the Meantime, we can help ensure that all members of our community have access to nutritious food and the resources they need to thrive. Additionally, we can also work to address the root causes of food insecurity, such as poverty and lack of access to healthy food options, by advocating for policies and programs that support food security and sustainability.

For more information on how to get involved and make a difference, visit the Learning Success website and explore their resources on Cognitive Micro-Skills and Auditory Processing.

Laura Lurns Learning Success Expert

As we explore the complexities of learning and development, it's essential to recognize the profound impact of food insecurity on individuals, families, and communities. The work of Meals in the Meantime, a nonprofit organization addressing food insecurity in the Chicagoland south suburbs, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of meeting basic needs to support overall well-being. Research has shown that food insecurity can have far-reaching consequences, including decreased cognitive function, impaired academic performance, and increased stress levels. By providing access to nutritious food, Meals in the Meantime is not only addressing a fundamental need but also helping to create a foundation for learning and growth. As we strive to support individuals with learning differences, it's crucial to acknowledge the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. By addressing food insecurity and other basic needs, we can help create a more equitable and supportive environment that fosters success and resilience.

Building a Supportive Learning Environment

Creating a supportive learning environment is critical for children who may be struggling with food insecurity. As Kevin M. Yates emphasizes, it is essential to provide a safe and nurturing space where children can feel comfortable and focused. This can include providing access to nutritious food, creating a calm and organized classroom environment, and offering individualized support and accommodations as needed.

Additionally, it is also important to recognize the impact of food insecurity on a child’s emotional and mental well-being. Children who experience food insecurity may be more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. By providing a supportive learning environment, we can help mitigate these effects and promote overall well-being.

For more information on how to create a supportive learning environment, visit the Learning Success website and explore their resources on Visual Closure and Visual Discrimination.

Key Takeaways:

Divine Inspiration led Kevin M. Yates to start Meals in the Meantime, a nonprofit organization focused on food insecurity, after feeling a sense of emptiness despite his professional success.

Addressing a Foundational Need, Meals in the Meantime provides food to those in need, recognizing that food is a basic necessity for human survival and that hunger and food insecurity are global problems.

Making a Difference, Meals in the Meantime has given away over 32 tons of food across five major food groups, impacting communities and helping people who need food, and aims to continue making a difference in the fight against food insecurity.

Empowering Parents and Educators to Make a Difference

As a parent or educator, you have the power to make a difference in the lives of children who may be struggling with food insecurity. By recognizing the signs of food insecurity, providing a supportive learning environment, and advocating for policies and programs that support food security and sustainability, you can help ensure that all children have the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.

For more information on how to get involved and make a difference, visit the Learning Success website and explore their resources on Spatial Reasoning and Proprioception. Additionally, consider supporting organizations like Meals in the Meantime and advocating for policies and programs that support food security and sustainability.

Here’s what I believe with every fiber of my being: you don’t need anyone’s permission to help your own child. You don’t need to wait for school systems to finally notice what you’ve seen for years. You don’t need credentials or certification to be the most powerful teacher your child will ever have. The system may be designed to keep you waiting in the wings, feeling helpless while your child struggles—but that design can’t survive a parent who refuses to accept it. Your love, your instincts, and your daily presence are more powerful than any program, any label, or any expert assessment. And your child’s brain is capable of more growth than anyone who uses words like ‘can’t’ and ‘never’ would ever dare to imagine.