CHICAGO — The disruption in SNAP benefits during the government shutdown has highlighted the issue of food insecurity for people from all walks of life — and the creative ways Chicagoans will step up to help neighbors in need.

With Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — or SNAP — benefits paused during the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, about 2 million Illinois residents found themselves without assistance in buying food. The shutdown ended last week, with November’s benefits expected to be paid out this week, according to the state.

In response, food pantries and soup kitchens worked to meet record demand, while a number of local restaurants have been providing free or discounted meals. Even as benefits are restored, millions of people could lose benefits as the Trump administration vows to make everyone in the program reapply.

Neighbors have pitched in with the effort, too. Block Club caught up with six Chicagoans who are feeding their community one pot of soup — or cake — at a time. 

Beverly neighbor Mary Hurley leaves food (and pet supplies) on her porch and drive way. Credit: Facebook/Mary Hurley

Porch Pantry And Soup Giveaways

For Beverly resident Mary Hurley, sharing food is a way of expressing compassion. Since Halloween, Hurley has regularly been leaving homemade food — including delicious soups — on her porch steps for anyone to take.

“Cooking and baking is how I show love,” she said. “I hope to ease the burden off of anyone who is experiencing food insecurity.”

Hurley varies the menu but sticks with hearty foods that are relatively easy to transport, including pasta bakes, tortellini soup and chili. She posts her giveaway menu on Facebook.

Hurley said the response has been tremendous, and she hopes to continue at least through the end of November. She also plans to add toiletries, hygiene products and even pet food.

“Neighbors have donated funds and non-perishibles and sent supportive messages to help,” she said. 

Andersonville resident Bianca Ungerman-Ferring is offering make birthday cakes for any SNAP recipients whose birthday fell during the pause in benefits. Credit: Provided

Letting Them Eat Cake

Andersonville resident Bianca Ungerman-Ferring has a sweet offer. On Nov. 8, she posted in the Andersonville Facebook page, “If you are on SNAP and have a birthday coming up, I’d love to bake you a birthday cake.” 

The post has received hundreds of likes and several inquiries. The first cake, delivered on Saturday, was vanilla with buttercream and raspberry filling. 

While not a professional baker, Ungerman-Ferring said making cakes is a passion she wants to share with others.

“Every year you make it to your next birthday you should celebrate,” she said. 

Ungerman-Ferring hopes the cakes will offer a little comfort during challenging times. She plans to continue as long as the interest is there.

“People receiving SNAP benefits are human beings,” she said. “Canned food is great, but they still should have dessert. … With so much access being taken away, these moments of joy are even more important.”

Teachers at Collins Academy in North Lawndale launched a food pantry in the school. Credit: Courtesy GoFundMe

School Pantries 

Krystal Isler, an art teacher at The Collins Academy High School, 1313 S. Sacramento Drive in North Lawndale, took action after feeling helpless all year in the wake of major federal funding cuts.

Isler decided to create a food pantry for students, staff and the surrounding community when SNAP benefits were paused. After clearing it with the principal, she set up a GoFundMe and collaborated with the student council to get donations and bring in food. The GoFundMe has raised $1,600 as of Sunday.

The pantry is set up in the school’s art wing, away from the school’s primary classrooms.

“When the SNAP benefits became frozen, I realized there was something I could do,” Isler said. “There are a lot of people in the community who benefit from food assistance. … Here they can grab what they need, with no questions asked.”

The food pantry’s design is similar to a grocery store, with items stocked and labeled on shelves. The pantry even has a QR code that lists its current inventory, and people can put in a request for specific items. 

“This should be a comforting experience for anybody who needs extra help,” Isler said. “There is no shame in that.” 

The pantry is open to Collins Academy families and members of the community, who can call the school at 773-534-1840 to request a to-go package.

Satisfying Soup Kits

Morgan Mullins, a registered dietitian in Lincoln Park, is stirring the pot for good. She and her husband have been putting together soup kits and donating them to Nourishing Hope food pantry. Each kit includes a can of black beans, corn, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chilis, taco seasoning and vegetable broth. She shared the recipe and directions for packing the ingredients on her Instagram page to inspire others to do the same.

As a former dietician at Chicago-area charter schools, Mullins has firsthand experience with planning nourishing meals for families on a tight budget.

“The majority of the kids were on free or reduced meal plans, so I saw the impact of food insecurity, but also the benefit of government assistance programs,” she said. “With food costs rising, the SNAP freeze and the holidays coming, this is something small we can do to help.”

Students, faculty and staff have teamed up to open a pop-up pantry at University of Illinois Chicago in wake of SNAP benefits being paused. Credit: Provided

College Campus Pantry 

Jill Hallett, a linguistics professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, was recently approached by Chloe Swerdlick, a graduate student in the School of Literatures, Cultural Studies and Linguistics, who was concerned with how the cuts in SNAP benefits were affecting the school.

After brainstorming short- and long-term solutions, they set up a food pantry in a Literatures, Cultural Studies and Linguistics community space and sent an email to the school’s community members to help fund it.

“Within hours, we raised $700 and I placed a food order to get it started,” Hallett said. 

The pantry offers snacks like granola bars plus more substantial options such as microwaveable macaroni and cheese. Hallett supplements it with apples and other produce that won’t spoil as quickly. 

While the school also hosts an ongoing Pop-Up Pantry, students must register and qualify as food insecure to use it. Hallett said the School of Literatures, Cultural Studies and Linguistics pantry is a low-barrier alternative that’s easy to access.

“It doesn’t negate the fact that someone will always be hungry, even when SNAP is reinstated, but they can get help here with no questions asked,” Hallett said. 

19th Ward Mutual Aid is hosting another mutual aid drive from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday at Holy Nativity Church, 9300 S. Peasant Ave. Credit: Courtesy 19th Ward Mutal Aid

More Mutual Aid 

Tim Noonan leads 19th Ward Mutual Aid, an initiative started during the pandemic to help feed neighbors in need. With the disruption in SNAP benefits, the group hosted a huge mutual aid drive on Nov. 9 to support its neighbors.  

“We put out an all-hands-on-deck request for donations of non-perishables,” Noonan said. “The response was tremendous.”

The group gets bread donated from Bimbo Bakeries in nearby Alsip, and it collects meat and produce through food rescues at Aldi and Mariano’s. 

The group is hosting another mutual aid drive 9 a.m.-noon Saturday at Holy Nativity Church, 9300 S. Peasant Ave. In addition to food, they will focus on giving away items like diapers, formula and feminine hygiene products. 

While the group primarily serves Beverly, Morgan Park and Mount Greenwood, the giveaways are available to anyone in need.

“We’re trying to bring dignity and support to all our neighbors, regardless of where they are in the situation,” Noonan said. “Seeing the people who care step up to help one another is the sunshine in a really dark time.”

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