The US government shutdown has led to benefits not being issued for the month of November for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
What does this mean? And why does this matter?
SNAP is a program that helps eligible residents around the country receive money to spend on food and beverages. Using the money for tobacco, alcohol, nonfood items, and in most cases takeout is not allowed. They get an allotted amount of money every month, typically around $187.
To be considered for SNAP benefits, residents must meet certain requirements based on income, assets, immigration status, household size, and proof of employment. Generally, a household’s monthly gross income must be below 130% of the poverty line to be eligible.
With the SNAP benefits not being distributed for November, one in eight people in America won’t be able to get the money they need to have food. Many people need SNAP benefits to help cover the costs for food throughout the month, as they don’t have money for food after their other expenses.
In Illinois, nearly two million people receive SNAP benefits. And in our school population at Hinsdale South, 32.3% or 427 students are eligible to receive food assistance.
Governor JB Pritzker on October 30th issued $20 Million in state funding from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the BRIDGE Fund to support food banks across Illinois beginning November 1st.
Illinois has also joined 24 other states and Washington DC to sue the federal administration for not fulfilling their commitment in operating SNAP during the federal shutdown.
As of November 2nd, President Donald Trump’s administration has agreed to partially fund half of SNAP benefits using an emergency fund that has $4.65 billion for the month of November. After two judges issued rulings requiring it to keep the nation’s largest food aid program running.
Although there has been funding from Pritzker and Trump’s administration, there’s no say in when the funding will be received by residents depending on it.
Author’s note: As this story progresses throughout the month, things are subject to change. Major changes will be updated here in the Author’s note.
To help locally, you can donate to Mrs Kimp’s Drop and Drive. She accepts food donations and there is also an Amazon wish list you can purchase items from. These items go straight to the families in our community directly affected by this issue. For physical donations, go to the Counseling office and in the lobby find the spot on the wall that directs you to put your donations in, which is Mrs. Kimp’s office.
For more information please contact [email protected]
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/EC8N9IK7L8MD?ref_=wl_share
Local food banks and pantries you can volunteer or donate:
PEOPLE’S RESOURCE CENTER (PRC)
630-682-5402
https://www.peoplesrc.org/
HCS FAMILY SERVICES
In-Person Shopping – Hinsdale-BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Where: Hinsdale Pantry, 22 N Elm St, Hinsdale
Hours: 10:00-11:00 and 11:00-Noon, Mondays and Fridays
To Make an Appointment, Call: 630-280-8730, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00-11:00 ONLY
You cannot shop without an appointment.
In-Person Shopping – Willowbrook – SCHOOL DISTRICT FAMILIES ONLY
Where: Anne M. Jeans School, Door 12, 16W631 91st Street, Willowbrook
Hours: 2:30-3:30, Wednesdays
To Shop Inside the School, You Must Show Proof that You Have a Student(s) in the District
(Grade Card, E-mail Message from Teacher or Principal)
West Suburban Community Pantry
https://wscpantry.org/
Downers Grove Area FISH
https://www.downersgrovefish.org/
OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL – DARIEN ILLINOIS
Tuesdays and Fridays from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. It serves anyone in need and accepts perishable and non-perishable food donations during their hours of operation. Donations can be dropped off in the blue bin located just beyond the church’s entrance doors
