Champaign County Heroes: Local Restaurants and Non-Profits Unite to Support Community Amidst Challenges

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CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — As the government shutdown stretches on, the looming arrival of November 1st brings a new wave of concern: the cessation of SNAP benefits. In response, the Champaign County community is coming together to lend a helping hand.

Local restaurants and non-profit organizations are rising to the occasion, devising innovative ways to support their neighbors during these uncertain times.

Central Illinois farmers are also feeling the weight of the shutdown’s uncertainty.

One local eatery is stepping up like never before, plunging into efforts to aid the community that has long been their backbone.

“Right now, the situation is incredibly tough. Many people are already struggling to cover their basic needs and expenses. Losing SNAP benefits adds a new layer of stress and hardship,” said Jennifer Shima, owner of The Literary.

These challenges will become a harsh reality when SNAP benefits are cut off on November 1st, a reality that Shima is all too aware of.

She added that the choice was easy.

“When something is the right thing to do, you do it,” Shima said.

They are bringing customers an “OH SNAP” menu specifically for this.

“It has three breakfast options, three lunch options, vegan options, gluten free options, and our whole kid’s menu is available,” Shima added.

However, it’s not just restaurants making plans to feed the community. Wesley Food Pantry is also starting to think ahead. The director, Dawn Longfellow, said they typically serve people who are not SNAP recipients

“Because the folks that receive it, that program is effective, and they are able to shop for themselves at the grocery store,” Longfellow shared.

However, she knows as SNAP benefits run out, food pantries like theirs, will see an increase in traffic. They actually have started investing in stanchions to prepare for the lines to start getting longer as more people start coming.

Wesley Food Pantry will continue to do what they always do, keep bellies full. Shima hopes to do the same.

“We are planning to do this until SNAP is funded again,” Shima said.

The Literary has invited everyone to get involved. They have a community gift card, so anyone can call or come in to add money. Shima said that it helps them provide meals above and beyond what they can do on their own. Longfellow added that monetary donations for the food pantry, or for their providers, like the Eastern Illinois Food Bank, go a long way.