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# Know Hunger Chicago Initiates Snap Challenge with Chicago Urban League
- URL: https://cibocom.ghost.io/know-hunger-chicago-initiates-snap-challenge-with-chicago-urban-league/
- Published: 2017-07-25T00:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-08T15:03:10.000Z
- Author: Cibocom
- Tags: Tyson Foods, pork, beef, poultry

Tyson Foods, Inc. and the Chicago Urban League have joined forces to dispel misunderstandings about SNAP benefits by educating community leaders. This was done through their participation in the KNOW Hunger Challenge, a part of the KNOW Hunger Chicago project, which took place over the weekend. The KNOW Hunger Challenge is an engaging event aimed at raising awareness about hunger and combating food insecurity. It does this by providing education about nutritional opportunities available through SNAP and giving participants a first-hand experience of the difficulties families often encounter when shopping on a budget. The average family using SNAP benefits receives about $100 per week, a reality that hits close to home for many. The SNAP Challenge, hosted by the Chicago Urban League, involved teams from the organization’s Metropolitan Board, a young professional auxiliary board, and community members. Each team was given $100 to shop for a week's worth of food for a family of four. The teams consisted of Metropolitan Board members, staff and leadership from the Chicago Urban League, and team members from Tyson Foods’ local branches. The teams were tasked with shopping at a local store and then returning to the Chicago Urban League to present their purchases to a panel of judges. The food was evaluated based on effective use of funds, nutritional value, and culinary creativity. The teams also discussed their shopping experience and how the community can become more involved in hunger relief. The food was later donated to the Greater Harvest Baptist Church. The winning team, consisting of Rachel Roberts, Martha Wilkins, and Kevin Wright, spent $103.61\. Their team was chosen for their mix of healthy foods and creative meal combinations, a crucial combination for families on a budget trying to maximize their nutritional benefits. Ashlee Johnson, Tyson Foods’ manager of state and local government relations, stated that the challenge demonstrated the difficulty of feeding a family on $100 per week, a struggle many Chicago residents face. She emphasized that the SNAP Challenge and similar programs are the driving force behind the KNOW Hunger campaign in Chicago and nationwide. The goal is to make the community aware that hunger is closer to home than they might think, and feeding a family, even with benefit systems in place, is challenging. Shari Runner, President and CEO of the Chicago Urban League, stated that the KNOW Hunger Challenge aligns with the Urban League’s mission to provide economic empowerment, educational opportunities, and social justice for their community. She mentioned that they often hear from their community partners that hunger is a barrier to success, and they are proud to be part of an initiative that educates and empowers communities to make healthy food choices even with limited resources. The SNAP Challenge is part of KNOW Hunger Chicago, a one-year initiative by Tyson Foods and the Chicago Urban League to raise awareness about food insecurity and nutrition education. The organizations have hosted local health fairs, donated protein to local food banks, conducted thought leadership exercises, and planned educational community opportunities throughout their one-year initiative in the area. The half-day shopping SNAP Challenge was created by Elanco and Tyson Foods in the spring of 2012\. Tyson Foods has been active in hunger relief for many years, donating more than 100 million pounds of protein to food banks and other relief agencies since 2000\. As part of its KNOW Hunger campaign, Tyson Foods funded one of the largest and most comprehensive studies ever conducted on attitudes and perceptions of hunger, revealing that one-in-four Americans worry about having enough money to put food on the table. Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest producers of chicken, beef, pork, and prepared foods. The company is committed to operating with integrity and trust and creating value for its shareholders, customers, and team members. The Chicago Urban League, established in 1916, works for economic, educational, and social progress for African Americans and promotes strong sustainable communities through advocacy, collaboration, and innovation. The Metropolitan Board of the Chicago Urban League is known for its distinctive capacity and commitment in providing activities characterized by excellence in community service, fundraising, and dedication to the development of its diverse members to empower communities and change lives through consistent involvement in the Urban League movement.