Food support during the federal shutdown
Dear Neighbor,
The federal government shutdown, now over a month long, has caused significant hardship for families across Illinois and the nation. Since the start of November, when Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits became unavailable to the 1.9 million Illinoisans who rely on them for groceries, there have been several updates regarding the shutdown. This can all be quite uncertain and confusing, so as this situation continues to unfold, you can read the latest information at: snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov.
In response, Governor Pritzker recently signed an executive order directing $20 million towards food banks as a statewide response to protect food access across Illinois. And then, the news of last week—following a court order, the federal government will issue partial SNAP payments. Illinois SNAP recipients will begin receiving partial November benefits from November 7 through November 20.
As of today, the Trump Administration has not complied with court orders to provide full funding for November SNAP benefits. And it's likely the shutdown will reach its end soon with the Senate vote over the weekend and the House currently reviewing that bill.
In this week’s newsletter, I’m sharing resources to help Illinois families navigate the impact and uncertainty of all this, focusing on support for food security, as well as ways you can lend a hand to help out neighbors.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository is in close communication with their network of over 850 partner food pantries and programs throughout Cook County. Additionally, they are setting up hubs to operate on Saturdays in November while SNAP is paused. Hubs will be focused on areas with the highest concentration of SNAP participants. At these distributions, pre-packaged grocery boxes will be distributed while supplies last.
St. Nicolai United Church of Christ hosts frequent free hot community meals and free groceries at 3000 N Kedzie Ave. Community meals are every Thursday of the month (this month they will be on November 6, 13, 20, and 27) from 12 to 1:30pm.
November’s free grocery giveaway will be on Wednesday, November 19 from 12:30 to 1:30pm. All food will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. No ID or registration necessary. There will also be free health screenings, like blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol checks from the Advocate Mobile Health Van from 10am to 1:30pm.
On the west side of the district, Onward House also hosts a food pantry on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 6 pm. The pantry is located at 5433 West Diversey Ave. You can find more information and their boundaries of service here.
St. Genevieve’s next community food pantry will be on Saturday, November 15 at 4834 W Montana. Donation drop-off will be from 10am to 1pm, and then pick-up will be from 1pm until supplies run out.
The Irving Park Community Food Pantry serves the 60641 and 60618 zip codes and has a volunteer-run food pantry within the Emanuel United Methodist Church at 4256 N. Ridgeway Ave on Wednesdays from 9:00am - 12:00pm and Second Tuesdays of every month from 6:00pm - 7:00pm. You can also donate time and funds to support this work.
The Friends of Logan Square Elementary have opened a food pantry on Wednesdays beginning at 8:15am. Donations are also being accepted at Door 1 and 2 of the school at 3651 W. Schubert.
Instacart is giving SNAP recipients 50% off their next grocery order—up to $50. You can also send food directly to your local Feeding America food bank via Instacart ’s Community Carts.
The Groove Chicago hosts bi-weekly Sandwich Clubs at their studio at 2920 N. Pulaski Rd. where folks gather and make sandwiches for neighbors in need of a meal. Catch the next one on Sunday, November 16, and register here: groovechi.com/schedule.
The 31st Ward Office is hosting a Fall Food Drive of non-perishable items to support families in need. They are collecting food on Friday, November 14 from 12 to 4pm and on Monday, November 17 from 2 to 6pm at Porchlight Music Theatre, 4200 W Diversey.
There are several amazing, active mutual aid groups in and around the district in Logan Square, Avondale, Portage Park, and across the city where you can be connected with food and resources or volunteer your time.
Please stay in touch with our office by calling (773) 853-2570 or sending an email to will@repguzzardi.com. We are happy to help you navigate state agencies and connect you to organizations and services for support.
All my best,
Will
Coffee and Conversation
Join Alderwoman Ruth Cruz and me for coffee and a chance to discuss issues that are facing our communities. We’ll be at El Capitan Snacks & Coffee, 3150 N Central Ave. on Saturday, November 22 from 10am to 12pm.
Virtual Know Your Rights for Parents and Schools
The City of Chicago Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights, CPS Parent University, and several community organizations are hosting a virtual immigration information session for CPS parents and schools on Thursday, November 13 from 6 to 7:30pm. During this online event, there will be information on changes in immigration law related to new policies, updates around increased ICE activity, how to create an Emergency Family Plan, and how you can support the community. Register at bit.ly/CIRRKYR.
Free Legal Help for Illinois Military Members & Veterans
If you’ve served in the military and have a low income, you may qualify for free legal aid through the Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network. You can receive assistance with:
⚖️ Family law
🏠 Housing
💰 Consumer fraud
🎖️ Discharge upgrades
📋 VA benefits
Call 855-IL-AFLAN (855-452-3526) or visit: ILAFLAN.org.
Spread Love’s Mercado
Join Spread Love in the Belmont-Cragin community for a mercado of local vendors! Get ahead on holiday shopping, and enjoy food, snacks, music, and entertainment at this free event on Saturday, November 15 from 11am to 3pm at 2700 N Cicero Ave.