ICA Food Shelf is excited to host the eighth annual The Great Taste on October 14 at 7:00 p.m. The evening is dedicated to celebrating the impact ICA has in our community and on the lives of our neighbors. The event is taking place virtually and will again be emceed by Belinda Jensen of Kare 11. We recently caught up with Belinda to explore her history with ICA and find out what she’s excited for this year.
ICA: What made you first get involved with ICA Food Shelf?
Belinda: I live very close, so this is just a wonderful and easy way for me to give food. I’ve had a chance to come here a number of times to help out with my kids. What I like about ICA is that I realize what we’re doing is absolutely tangible. It’s not a difficult thing to help out and it’s not a big time crunch. The organization is easy and fun to help.
ICA: What have you learned over the years from being involved with ICA?
Belinda: You wouldn’t think there is an issue with food insecurity in the western suburbs, but people just don’t realize what’s going on. There’s such a huge need. What we’re doing is absolutely a necessity and has become more of a necessity because of the pandemic.
ICA: What do you find most important about ICA’s mission?
Belinda: It isn’t just a box of rice, it’s so much more than the food. ICA meets their clients at the door and they realize they may need other things. Helping people help themselves is very important.
ICA: What stands out to you about The Great Taste?
Belinda: I’ve been absolutely blown away by the giving—even if people aren’t physically at the event. It’s been wonderful to see the unwavering dedication to this event. It’s my pleasure that I can help out in a little way.