Local Restaurants and Non-Profits Unite to Support Champaign County Community

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CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — With the government shutdown dragging on for weeks and the calendar nearing November, many are bracing for the expiration of SNAP benefits. However, the Champaign County community is banding together to tackle this looming crisis.

Local eateries and charitable organizations are stepping up to lend a hand to their neighbors amid the current climate of unpredictability.

Central Illinois farmers also have the shutdown on their minds as they face their own uncertainties.

One local dining establishment emphasized their unprecedented efforts to give back to a community that has consistently supported them over the years.

“The situation is incredibly difficult right now. Many are already struggling to cover their basic expenses, and the removal of SNAP benefits intensifies insecurity, stress, and hardship,” shared Jennifer Shima, owner of The Literary.

“Starting on Tuesday, we are offering free food for SNAP recipients, one meal a day, during week days,” Shima shared.

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.