Abiding Hunger: Why Food Insecurity Persists in America

Roger Thurow and Catherine Bertini examine why food insecurity persists despite America’s extraordinary abundance and what can be done to expand reliable access to food.
Volunteers sort through food donations at the St. Mary's Food Bank in Phoenix, AZ on June 29, 2022.
Oct
15
Ross D. Franklin / AP
Speakers
Roger Thurow
Catherine Bertini
Date and Time
Doors Open: 5:15 pm
Location
Chicago Council Conference Center, 130 E Randolph Street; or via YouTube
Who Can Attend

REGISTRATION

This event is open to the public.

Register Now
Register Now

About This Event

The United States is one of the world’s largest food producers, yet nearly 50 million Americans experience food insecurity. Often hidden from view, hunger has remained a feature of American life across generations, even as the country’s economy, food system, and efforts to address the problem have evolved. Why does hunger persist in one of the world’s wealthiest countries? What can efforts to address hunger and food insecurity around the world teach us about tackling the problem at home? Join Roger Thurow and Catherine Bertini for a conversation on the history and persistence of hunger in America, and what it will take to ensure more people have reliable access to the food they need. 

Copies of Roger Thurow’s latest book, Abiding Hunger: An American Paradox, will be available for sale and signing following the program.

About the Speakers
Roger Thurow
Former Senior Fellow, Global Food and Agriculture
Headshot for Roger Thurow
Roger Thurow is a journalist and author who writes about the persistence of hunger and malnutrition in our world as well as global agriculture and food policy. He was a reporter at The Wall Street Journal for thirty years, including twenty years as a foreign correspondent based in Europe and Africa. He is the author of three books, including "Abiding Hunger: An American Paradox."
Headshot for Roger Thurow
Distinguished Fellow, Global Food and Agriculture, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Council expert Catherine Bertini
Catherine Bertini served as executive director of the UN World Food Program, the world’s largest international humanitarian agency, from 1992 to 2002 prior to joining the Council. She was named the World Food Prize laureate in 2003 for her groundbreaking leadership there.
Council expert Catherine Bertini
Exterior of the Prudential Towers
Construction Alert Please note that the Randolph Street lobby of the Prudential building, where guests enter for Council events, will be under construction from April through December.