In the heart of Lemont, Illinois, The Wooden Paddle, a well-loved eatery in the southwest suburbs, is creating a buzz with its latest initiative to support those in need. The restaurant is extending a warm gesture by offering free pizza to recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) who have recently faced the loss of their benefits.
“You never really know who in your community might be dealing with tough times, whether it’s losing a job or just needing a bit of extra support,” shared Jonathan Cowan, co-founder of The Wooden Paddle. His statement underscores the restaurant’s commitment to assisting the community during challenging periods.
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This generous offer is not limited to just the Lemont location; patrons at the La Grange branch can also partake in this goodwill throughout the entire month of November. The initiative arrives at a critical time as approximately 42 million Americans are bracing for the impending cut in food stamp benefits this weekend.
Food assistance advocates highlight that SNAP benefits average around $187 monthly per recipient, funds that many families depend on as their primary source of nutrition. The loss of these benefits could significantly impact their ability to secure food.
Locals in the Chicago area are expressing appreciation for such community-driven efforts. “It’s truly a case of community helping community. The Wooden Paddle has always been a place centered around community values, and it’s heartening to see them stepping up in this way,” remarked Diana Lambiris, a regular patron at the restaurant.
This initiative by The Wooden Paddle serves as a reminder of the power of local businesses in fostering community spirit and providing aid to those who need it most. As the restaurant continues to serve its customers, it also champions the importance of solidarity and empathy among neighbors.
Meanwhile, food banks, food pantries, organizations and everyday people are trying to fill the void. While Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed an executive order directing $20 million to food assistance, the Nourishing Hope Food Pantry and the Greater Chicago Food Depository gave food boxes away to those in need.
On Saturday, in the city’s Englewood neighborhood, the Go Green Community Fresh Market gave 100 residents of several city wards $50 grocery vouchers.
“And we wanted to ensure that those who will not be recipients today will still feel the love,” said 16th Ward Ald. Stephanie Coleman.
“We have a responsibility to step up and do what we do to feed families, because people can’t go hungry,” said Christmas in the Wards founder Larry Huggins.
It was done in partnership with the decades old Christmas in the Wards event, which looks to support neighborhoods.
And while a continued stoppage of SNAP payments is not guaranteed after two federal judges ruled that the Trump administration must use contingency funds to pay at least some benefits, some recipients, like Carolyn Johnson, are just grateful to have something.
“We don’t have that much at home to dwell on, because today would be the day that we would go to the grocery store,” Johnson said.
