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CHICAGO (WLS) — Families are grappling with uncertainty over how to secure their next meal after U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson paused a mandate late Friday. This order would have required the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP food aid payments for November.
In Illinois, while some residents have received partial SNAP payments, the assistance falls short for many. As a result, more community groups are stepping up to provide support.
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Across Chicago, families are eagerly awaiting positive news regarding their SNAP benefits. Some residents informed ABC7 that they received partial payments on Friday, but these amounted to a mere $12.
In response, local organizations mobilized on Saturday, organizing several food drives throughout the Chicagoland area to assist those in need.
One such initiative took place on the South Side at St. Sabina Church, where Father Michael Pfleger collaborated with the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Last week, they distributed 500 boxes of food, and this week, they handed out 700 more. Volunteers worked tirelessly to provide food to a long queue of individuals still waiting for their SNAP benefits.
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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.
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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.”