Meet ‘Peace Portraits’ Honoree Jeannine Wise
Meet “Peace Portraits” honoree Jeannine Wise, Program Director of the food justice program Good Food is Good Medicine. The program teaches foundational culinary techniques and nutrition lessons to residents of the South and West Sides. Wise’s mission is to break down barriers to accessing healthy, affordable food – while healing Chicago communities in the process.
“Peace Portraits,” presented by the Illinois Peace Project, is a visual project dedicated to spotlighting the incredible individuals making a difference in Illinois. This year’s five honorees embody the spirit of “Peace Portraits,” as they work tirelessly to strengthen their communities, empower residents, inspire change, and foster peace and harmony in their communities.
“All of the work we do is through a lens of equity. We don’t bring food in the kitchen they cannot access. We make friends, we make community. And those are the moments I’m so at peace, because I know I’m doing what I’m supposed to do.”
“You might look at the program and think I’m the chef. But it’s not like that at all. I’m more like the pan, or the pot. […] The participants come in, they are all the ingredients, they are the techniques,” Wise said. “We taste, and adjust, and season our programming constantly, the same way you would a pot of collards or a soup.”