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
US braces for one of the busiest Thanksgiving travel seasons in years as 81.8M Americans hit the roads, skies

U.S. Prepares for Record-Breaking Thanksgiving Travel Season with 81.8 Million Expected Travelers

The United States is gearing up for what promises to be one…
Getting it right: Ukraine peace deal must not let Russian aggression win

Ukraine Peace Accord: Ensuring Accountability for Russian Aggression

The resilient citizens of Ukraine, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have been…
FBI nabs Florida man with alleged plan to livestream neo-Nazi terror attack; graphic Signal messages recovered

FBI Thwarts Florida Man’s Chilling Neo-Nazi Attack Plot: Disturbing Details Uncovered

A man from Florida has been arrested following an FBI investigation that…
Chicago weather forecast: Wind Advisory in effect Wednesday | Several inches of snow possible Thanksgiving weekend

Brace for Windy Wednesday in Chicago: Snowstorm Looms for Thanksgiving Weekend

CHICAGO – On Wednesday, residents of Chicago found themselves bundled up against…
White House addresses Trump's chronic venous insuffiency diagnosis

ICE Takes Relative of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt into Custody, Reports Indicate

In a recent turn of events, immigration authorities detained a relative of…
Politician named Adolf Hitler becomes focal point of local election campaign

Local Election Campaign Spotlight Shines on Politician Named Adolf Hitler

Adolf Hitler Uunona, a local politician in Namibia, is anticipated to secure…
'Build a brighter future': Jacksonville Jaguars celebrate annual ‘My Cause My Cleats’ campaign

Jacksonville Jaguars Unveil Inspiring ‘My Cause My Cleats’ Campaign to Empower Community Causes

Over 40 players and 15 coaches are set to take part in…
Video shows aftermath of violent neighborhood street takeover that left couple battered in 'planned attack'

Shocking Video Uncovers ‘Planned Attack’ in Violent Neighborhood Street Takeover, Leaving Couple Injured

Recently released footage reveals the chaotic aftermath of a violent street takeover…
Cheerleader who died aboard Carnival cruise ship cremated, death certificate reveals

Tragic Loss at Sea: Cheerleader’s Passing on Carnival Cruise Ship Confirmed by Death Certificate

Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old from Florida who recently passed away on a…
Suspect in Colorado Planned Parenthood shooting dies in federal custody

Colorado Planned Parenthood Shooting Suspect Dies in Federal Custody: Latest Updates

Robert Dear, the man accused of a deadly shooting at a Colorado…
Two National Guard members shot near White House, suspect in custody: DC police

Breaking: Suspect in Custody After Shooting of National Guard Members Near White House Shakes Washington

Authorities swiftly responded to a shooting incident near downtown Washington, D.C., on…
Family IDs woman set on fire on CTA as Bethany MaGee; officials question electronic monitoring system after Lawrence Reed arrest

Family Identifies Bethany MaGee as CTA Fire Victim; Raises Concerns Over Electronic Monitoring Failures Following Lawrence Reed’s Arrest

In Chicago, concerns are mounting over the effectiveness of Cook County’s electronic…