This post was submitted as part of our “You Said It” program.” Your voice, ideas, and engagement are important to help us accomplish our mission. We encourage you to share your ideas and efforts to make the world a better place by submitting a “You Said It.”
Growing up in Chicago, I’ve always known our city is full of potential and challenges. Too many kids from neighborhoods on the South Side go to school hungry, and as an educator, I’ve seen the impact. When children come to school hungry, they’re distracted and struggle to focus. Quite literally, food insecurity starves student success. Igniting Minds, a Chicago nonprofit, is tackling this head-on by combining food and education in a way that’s changing lives right here in our backyard.
In my culture, like many others, food is more than just fuel — it’s a powerful connector. But for many families, putting food on the table isn’t always possible. Hunger has taken on a new face: many students from low-income neighborhoods might appear well-fed or even overweight, but this can be a byproduct of poverty. Fresh, healthy food is often out of reach, so families trade nutritious options for what’s filling, leading to health issues like obesity.
One of my most unforgettable students, Devante, was a bright yet challenging 12-year-old. I could see his struggle to concentrate and his energy was always low. Despite his intelligence, he was often disruptive in class and falling behind. His mother, juggling two jobs to make ends meet, couldn’t always be there, and for many reasons, breakfast was rarely an option. Living on what was once called “the most dangerous block in Chicago,” Devante didn’t believe he’d see his 18th birthday. Each day, his focus was survival — finding food and steering clear of violence — leaving little room to prioritize school.
I connected the family with Igniting Minds and the change was almost immediate. Devante received nutritious meals during their before- and after-school programs. After a few weeks, I noticed a remarkable change in his focus and participation. Not only had Devante’s grades improved, but his mother shared he also looked forward to coming to school now and the after-school routine helped to keep him occupied and out of trouble.
Igniting Minds not only provided him with breakfast through their Mornings Matter program but paired him with a peer tutor and mentor. His mentor, Marcus, became a source of inspiration and guidance for Devante. Within a year, his reading scores improved by two grade levels, and he transformed from a reluctant, disruptive student into one eager to participate. “It’s a turnaround that likely saved his life,” his mother said.
Mornings Matter is more than just a meal program, breakfast became the foundation for Devante’s success. After being paired with a mentor, his self-esteem soared — and having a mentor who looked like him made all the difference. He went from avoidance to raising his hand and trying, even when it was tough. Today, Devante is thriving and in his freshman year at the University of Michigan. His mother, fighting back tears, said, “Igniting Minds gave him that.” There’s something powerful about knowing that your community is looking out for you — that you matter enough for someone to invest in your well-being.
Through the Igniting Minds tutoring and mentorship programs, young people receive the support they need to excel. Being paired with someone who has dealt with the same challenges — and has achieved success despite them — means more than academic support; it provides inspiration, relatability, and a real vision of what’s possible. These mentors are living proof that success is attainable, creating a deeper trust that encourages students to open up, take risks, and believe in their own potential.
The impact is clear: studies show that good nutrition and supportive mentorship improve academic performance, focus, and graduation rates. But even without the studies, I see it every day in the classroom — when kids feel supported, they thrive.
How To Help:
We all want to help our kids have the best chance at a bright future. Supporting programs like Igniting Minds is more than charity, it is life-changing community building. Whether you’re donating or volunteering your time and resources, there are countless ways to make a difference. When supporting Igniting Minds, we help kids like Devante carve pathways toward a better life. Visit Igniting Minds online for more details on how to you can support their impactful programs.
For more ways to help fight food insecurity, check out these food banks, food pantries, and other nonprofits combatting hunger in Chicago and beyond.
More from Better:
- Photos Capture Destruction and Heroism During Devastating Southern California Wildfires
- Avian Flu Is Spreading — Here’s How to Keep Your Pets, Family and Food Safe
- Empowering Artists and Advancing Social Justice: How the Gordon Parks Foundation Continues the Late Photographer’s Legacy
Genice Ferrell is a lifelong Chicago resident, teacher, community advocate, and Igniting Minds Advisory Board member who has seen firsthand the power of local organizations to uplift neighborhoods. Passionate about creating opportunities for youth, she believes in the importance of strong community support systems and has dedicated her time to making a difference in young lives.
