St. Sabina food pantry sees increased demand amid government shutdown

CHICAGO (WGN) — The ongoing federal government shutdown is putting vital food assistance programs in jeopardy, fueling an uptick in demand for local pantries that plan to help.

The St. Sabina Social Service Network has, for the past 12 months, provided a food pantry, health screenings, and other services at 79th & Racine to offset the shortfall. But the need is increasing.

“The community is falling apart because we don’t have the support we need,” said Auburn Gresham resident Eddie Edwards, describing the reality that Father Michael Pfleger fears will only get worse with the loss of federal programs. 

“In the past year, we have provided food for over 40,000 people,” Pfleger said.

The faith community leader and many others say the number of distressed families and seniors is already rising. Many church organizations are already looking ahead to winter and potential issues.

Westside Chicago pastor Ira J. Acree, at an unrelated event featuring local leaders, pushed back on the Trump administration’s cutbacks on food stamps and special education. 

“When leaders cut benefits for the poor, while cutting taxes for the rich, that’s not politics, that’s moral failure,” Acree said.

“A society cannot spend billions of dollars on military spending without turning said military on its own people,” added community leader Marshall Hatch Jr.

The St. Sabina Social Service Network is looking for additional partners. Anyone interested may click here for more information. The St. Sabina Social Services Network is located at 1120 W. 79th Street.