Nourishing the soul: FoodStock concert to benefit the SHARE market for students
Published February 19, 2026
Between part-time jobs, family obligations and classwork, students have a lot on their plates. The last thing they need to worry about is how to fill those plates with food. Yet that’s where many students find themselves these days.
“Students have expressed almost a sense of guilt for needing help and I think maybe everybody can relate to that. We are taught that relying on others is weak and lazy. But the strength of my students is immeasurable. They come to class after waking up at 4 a.m., working a double shift in manual labor, or after taking care of their children,” Adjunct Instructor Stephanie Gebel Sager says. “We want to create an event space where we can sit together, rely on each other. Know that good feeling that comes from supporting each other and being supported by each other.”
Benefit concert to address growing need
Gebel Sager decided to take action and launch an event she coined “FoodStock,” a benefit concert to raise money for the college's SHARE market. The concert takes place at 7 p.m. Friday, February 27 at the Auditorium Theater (A011). All donations of cash, credit or cans are accepted. A donation of $10 per person is suggested (students and children are free) but Gebel Sager stresses that all are welcome.
CLC’s SHARE Market launched in 2018 to provide supplemental food, school supplies and toiletries to any currently enrolled student who needs basic needs support and a little extra help.
The need for reliable access to food has grown as students work to improve their lives amid rising grocery costs and uncertainty around SNAP benefits. During the 2024–25 academic year, more than 1,300 students visited the market over 8,700 times. Usage continues to increase this year.
Community supporting community
“I was feeling helpless about how to support my students and neighbors who are experiencing food insecurities. It hit me on a deep level and I couldn’t do anything until I did something about it,” Gebel Sager says. “I'm a musician, so I believe music is nourishing and can be a tool to help people. I looked to inspirational people who are already doing so much for the community to inspire my next move.”
Gebel Sagar reached out to her network for performers to volunteer their time. Their response was overwhelmingly positive. Members of Avon Township Food Pantry will also be on hand as a collaborative force for this event sharing other places in the community where individuals may continue to provide aid.
When it came time to find a venue, CLC seemed like a perfect fit.
“We are excited to host this event at CLC and appreciate how it will support our student food pantry,” says Director of Student Academic Success Eric Tammes. “The college is fortunate to have great community support for events such as FoodStock.”
Gebel Sagar hopes that the concert will help everyone—however they may need it.
“I would love for every seat to be filled with people who are feeling the same right now, who just want to help. Come there, feel the music, sing along. Fill your cup to overflowing,” she says. “Fill the food pantry to overflowing. Let the students see how the community is coming together for them. We all get that good feeling of giving and receiving.”
Attend the concert
Friday, February 27, 7 p.m.
College of Lake County
Auditorium Theater (Room A011)
19351 W. Washington St.
Grayslake, IL 60030
Donations of cash, credit or cans are accepted. A donation of $10 per person is suggested (students and children are free) but all are welcome. View a list of suggested items for attendees to donate.