Chicago-area groups helping neighbors in need as Illinois SNAP benefits lapse, funding order blocked by Supreme Court justice
Share this @internewscast.com

In a climate of uncertainty, many families are still grappling with the challenge of securing their next meal. This comes after a recent decision by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to temporarily halt an order that would have compelled the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP food aid payments for November.

In Illinois, numerous beneficiaries have only received partial SNAP payments, prompting concerns that these amounts simply aren’t sufficient. In response, various community groups have stepped up to offer assistance.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Across Chicago, families are on edge as they await hopeful news regarding their SNAP benefits. Some recipients reported to ABC7 that they received partial payments last week, but the sum amounted to a meager $12, leaving many in a precarious situation.

In light of these challenges, local organizations have mobilized to support those in need through several food drives throughout the Chicagoland area. One significant event took place on the South Side at St. Sabina Church, where Father Michael Pfleger collaborated with the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Together, they distributed 500 boxes of food last week and increased their efforts to 700 boxes this week. Volunteers worked tirelessly, providing these critical supplies to a long line of individuals still awaiting their full SNAP benefits.

Meanwhile, another food drive was organized at St. Francis De Sales High School in the East Side neighborhood. This initiative is part of a series of weekly events held each Saturday, where students and local volunteers enthusiastically contribute by loading pre-assembled food boxes into waiting vehicles.

RELATED: ABC7 Chicago kicks off annual Feed the Love campaign as SNAP benefits in limbo | How to donate

A food drive was also held at St. Francis De Sales High School in the city’s East Side neighborhood. They’ve been hosting weekly events there each Saturday, with students and local volunteers pitching in to load up pre-assembled food boxes into cars.

Those receiving this food Saturday said it’s incredibly helpful at a time where many are running out of options without their SNAP benefits.

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

An effort was also underway in Chicago’s West Lawn neighborhood to help families who may have lost SNAP benefits.

Volunteers at Pollo Cris Cris packed up food for those in need. They say right now the need is great. Organizers are asking neighbors to help neighbors.

There was more of the same in the suburbs Saturday, as a special food drive was held in Aurora in honor of Veteran’s Day. Boxes of food were given away to veterans and their families at the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry. The first 150 people to drive through received food.

SEE ALSO: Groceries, free pet food given out in Chicago to SNAP recipients as shutdown drags on

It all comes after Supreme Court Justice Jackson paused a ruling Saturday night requiring the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP. The federal government says they don’t have the funding right now because of the government shutdown.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul called the move reprehensible as he shared a statement on the matter Saturday.

Raoul said in part, “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.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Zac Efron's 'real singing voice' shocks fans after 'High School Musical' demo leaks

Fans Surprised by Zac Efron’s True Singing Voice in Leaked ‘High School Musical’ Demo

Zac Efron’s early singing skills are being met with mixed reactions. A…
Stop Making Cents: U.S. Mint Puts an End to a 232-Year-Old Institution

U.S. Mint Discontinues Penny Production, Concluding a 232-Year Tradition

In 1984, the legendary band Talking Heads released their iconic live album,…
RedMagic is offering exclusive perks for upgrading to the 11 Pro

Unlock Exclusive Perks: RedMagic Launches Irresistible Upgrade Offer for 11 Pro Users

Let’s face it: our phones have evolved far beyond their original purpose…
'A great injustice': 2017 homicide of Jacksonville mom linked to suspect in Anheuser-Busch killing

Unraveling Injustice: Jacksonville Mom’s 2017 Homicide Tied to Suspect in Anheuser-Busch Murder

The daughter of Autumn Van Camp has come forward to share her…
US Catholic bishops vote to officially prohibit gender transition treatment at Catholic hospitals

US Catholic Bishops’ Groundbreaking Decision: Gender Transition Treatments Banned in Catholic Hospitals

On Wednesday, U.S. Catholic bishops voted decisively to implement a formal prohibition…
US Catholic bishops vote to officially prohibit gender transition treatment at Catholic hospitals

US Catholic Bishops Enforce Ban on Gender Transition Treatments in Catholic Hospitals

On Wednesday, U.S. Catholic bishops cast a decisive vote to officially prohibit…
Republican governor spares life of death row inmate in final hours before execution

Republican Governor Grants Last-Minute Clemency to Death Row Inmate, Halting Execution

In a dramatic turn of events, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt granted clemency…
Plans unveiled to turn Calumet Park disposal site on Chicago's Southeast Side into lakefront park

New Initiative Aims to Transform Calumet Park Disposal Site on Chicago’s Southeast Side into Scenic Lakefront Park

CHICAGO — Calumet Park, a beloved recreational area on Chicago’s Southwest Side,…
Search for Melodee Buzzard: Mother of missing Santa Barbara County girl appears in court today on unrelated charge

Unfolding Drama: Melodee Buzzard Faces Court Amid Ongoing Search for Missing Daughter in Santa Barbara

The search for nine-year-old Melodee Buzzard commenced on October 14, following concerns…
Civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson hospitalized at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago, Rainbow PUSH Coalition and sources say

Rev. Jesse Jackson Hospitalized in Chicago: Civil Rights Leader Under Care at Northwestern Hospital, Confirms Rainbow PUSH Coalition

CHICAGO — Renowned civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson is currently receiving…
Ex-NFL star Antonio Brown gets $25K bail and GPS monitor on Miami attempted murder charge

Antonio Brown’s Shocking Legal Battle: $25K Bail & GPS Monitoring for Attempted Murder Charge

Antonio Brown, the former NFL wide receiver, is currently embroiled in a…
Will Cuylle, Vincent Trocheck score two each as Rangers beat Lightning 7-3

Rangers Dominate Lightning: Cuylle and Trocheck Shine with Double Goals in 7-3 Victory

TAMPA — In a stunning display of offensive prowess, the New York…