In early 2020, the novel COVID-19 pandemic struck the United States, catalyzing an economic, political, social, and public health crisis. According to the USDA, 10.5% of American households experienced food insecurity in 2020, with the numbers increasing significantly to 7.2% of Hispanic households and 21.7% of Black, non-Hispanic households. Food insecurity is especially detrimental to young people’s growth and academic achievement, thus warranting immediate attention. Building on previous research quantifying the effectiveness of emergency school meals during the pandemic, this study instead uses qualitative research methods to analyze the successes and failures of the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Grab N Go meal distribution program. Approaching the subject with an equity lens, it asks: how did teachers, staff, parents, and other community members feel about their district’s efforts to support food insecure students? In what ways does the current food system reflect America’s historical and contemporaneous valuation of racial food politics? Through surveys and interviews with key community stakeholders, this study concludes that while the Grab N Go meal sites mobilized quickly to feed hungry students, there were a number of factors that deterred families from picking up, including poor food quality, limited hours of operation, and pandemic-related health hazards. As a diverse metropolis of nearly nine million people, Chicago continues to stand on a history of racial segregation and discriminatory policies. By using this city as a microcosm for the US, this study 1) evaluates the current intersection between racial equity and food insecurity at local and national levels and 2) proposes community-informed policy recommendations to improve food distribution for those in greatest need.