'The Bear' actor joins fight against food insecurity in Chicago area

CHICAGO (WLS) -- On Tuesday, ABC7 Chicago partnered with Good Morning America for an incredible initiative to combat food insecurity across the country.

And we did it with stars of the hit show "The Bear," which is back for a brand new season on Wednesday. But on Tuesday, it was all about helping our neighbors right here at home.

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In a campaign from coast to coast, ABC7's parent company, Disney, joined Feeding America to combat hunger, especially during the critical summer months.

"For so many families, summer is the most challenging moment. When school is out, children no longer have access to breakfast, school lunch, which is critical to supporting those families," said Greater Chicago Food Depository CEO Kate Maehr.

The Greater Chicago Food Depository supports a network of 800 food pantries in Chicago and Cook County, and it is one of three food banks across the country receiving 450,000 donated meals on Tuesday.

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"We know this is a tough time for families. Even more so, this year, we see more people turning to food pantries all across our communities and food banks all across the country," Maehr said.

Tuesday's efforts were boosted by stars of the hit show "The Bear," shot right here in Chicago.

Actor Corey Hendrix, who plays "Gary 'Sweeps' Woods" on the show, is a Chicago native. He joined ABC7's Val Waner on the morning show on Tuesday and shared with us that food insecurity is a personal cause for him.

"Growing up, my father was a city worker. I have so many memories, going around the city, delivering food boxes. I learned it's very important to look out for the less fortunate, also understand some people may not have as much as other people," Hendrix said.

The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of Hulu and this ABC station.