November 7, 2024
TCA Health, a long time institution in the Altgeld Gardens/Riverdale community, is not only breaking ground on a new nutrition center, but its approach to wellness. The CEO, Veronica Clarke, proudly emphasized to an early morning audience the importance the nearly 10,000 sq. ft. multifunctional building will have on the community.
“For too long this area has been overlooked and underappreciated, but that ends now. This project isn’t just about building a Nutrition and Wellness Center, it’s about revitalizing our community spirit–giving us hope for what’s to come, such as the Redline Extension, more fresh food options and perhaps a grocery store,” said Clarke.
The Nutrition and Wellness Center will be connected to TCA’s main health facility at 1029 East 130th Street. A vision led by community residents, the center will help to address the longstanding food desert that was created when the area lost its only full-service grocery store in 2018.
Studies have shown there is a significant disparity between life expectancy in Chicago based on where residents live. A major contributor is a lack of access to fresh produce and healthy foods. Clarke, is a former nutritionist and dietician. Her knowledge of the connection between a healthy diet and the reduced risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure is the impetus for this one of a kind center on the city’s far South Side.
She said the project would not be possible, however, without support from local elected officials.
“We look at the hope and future that we’re going to provide for this area and we’re talking about the impact this will have for generations to come,” said 29th District state Representative Thaddeus Jones.
Working with Jones to secure the initial funding, state Senator Napoleon Harris grew up in the nearby Golden Gate community. He shared with those in attendance how his mother and siblings would have to walk 20 blocks to the nearest grocery store.
“I was one of those kids that if I still lived here today, I would benefit from this, because I know what it’s like to live in food deserts, I know what it’s like to feel like no one cares about you and that the investment is not there, but that’s why this project is so special,” explained 15th District state Senator Harris.
The center will have a Client Choice Food Pantry, teaching kitchen, a grab and go cafe, yoga and meditation space and community meeting areas.
Alderman Peter Chico (10th Ward) said the center will mean so much to residents, because nobody should have to take three buses to get access to food.
TCA Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center founded in 1970 to provide quality health care services to Chicago’s medically underserved and underrepresented communities. TCA provides comprehensive primary health care and support services to over 10,000 patients annually.
Clarke is confident the center will be instrumental in bridging the gap between health care and nutrition.