Chicago-area groups helping neighbors in need as Illinois SNAP benefits lapse in government shutdown

CHICAGO (WLS) — Many families are still wondering how they will put food on the table after U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson put an order on hold late Friday that would have required the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP food aid payments for November.

Many people in Illinois have received partial SNAP benefit payments, but some say it’s not enough. Families across Chicago are anxiously waiting for some kind of good news regarding their SNAP benefits. Some recipients told ABC7 they received partial payments on Friday, but that was only about $12.

On Saturday, local organizations stepped up to help those in need with a number of food drives across the Chicagoland area.

One event took place on the South Side at St. Sabina Church, where Father Michael Pfleger partnered with the Greater Chicago Food Depository. They gave away 500 boxes of food last week and another 700 boxes this week. Volunteers handed out boxes to a long line of people who are still without their full SNAP benefits.

A food drive was also held at St. Francis De Sales High School in the city’s East Side neighborhood. The school has been hosting weekly events every Saturday, with students and local volunteers helping to load pre-assembled food boxes into cars. Those receiving food on Saturday expressed how incredibly helpful these efforts are during a time when many are running out of options without their SNAP benefits.

One recipient said, “It’s gonna be rough this month, so I’m really glad for this and other opportunities around the corner in upcoming days.”

Similar events took place in the suburbs on Saturday, including a special food drive in Aurora held in honor of Veterans Day.

This all comes after Supreme Court Justice Jackson paused a ruling Saturday night that required the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits. The federal government says they do not have the funding right now due to the ongoing government shutdown.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul called the Supreme Court decision reprehensible. In a statement released on Saturday, Raoul said, “It is unconscionable that the Trump administration would go so far as to seek U.S. Supreme Court intervention on a Friday night to prevent Americans from eating when funds are available to provide the much-needed benefits. I am forcefully urging the federal government to follow the law and distribute SNAP benefits.”

As the situation continues, local communities are rallying support to help families in need. For those interested in contributing, ABC7 Chicago has kicked off its annual Feed the Love campaign to assist families affected by the SNAP benefits delay.

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Stay tuned to ABC7 Chicago for ongoing coverage and updates on SNAP benefits and local aid efforts.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-area-groups-helping-neighbors-need-illinois-snap-benefits-lapse-funding-order-blocked-supreme-court-justice/18131076/

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