Chicago food pantries see surge in demand amid SNAP uncertainty

CHICAGO (WGN) – With the government shutdown still in effect, food assistance benefits – known as SNAP – will run out on Saturday.

On Tuesday, WGN-TV was in Pilsen where the food pantry Instituto Del Progreso Latino began during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of today, the pantry has grown to address other urgent needs in the community.

Those who rely on the pantry said it comes at a crucial time when support from the government feels missing.

“It’s really hard even if you have an income entering the house,” Yennya Segura said.

For Segura and her family of seven, the food panty is a blessing amid skyrocketing prices.

With every bag of groceries she takes home, she said each visit does more than fill their stomachs.

“It’s going to help not just for me, sharing it with other people in my community as well,” Segura said.

On Tuesday afternoon, Instituto celebrated the expansion of its food pantry, growing from once a month to twice a week.

The initiative is made possible through a partnership with the greater Chicago Food Depository and the Hispanic Federation. This move comes in response to rising food insecurity and the potential loss of SNAP benefits on Nov. 1.

“We believe no family should have to choose between food and rent and other essentials,” Roberto Valddez Jr., director of policy for the Hispanic Federation Midwest, said.

About 42 million people nationwide rely on SNAP, including nearly two million in Illinois. With the federal government shutdown still ongoing, concern is growing that families could go hungry is lawmakers do not reach a funding deal before the end of the month.

St. Sabina’s Food Pantry in Auburn Gresham is seeing an unprecedented surge of people coming through its doors. In only its first year, it has quickly become a vital resource in the community.

The pantry is open Monday through Friday, and Fr. Michael Pfleger finds it challenging to keep the shelves and refrigerators full. With SNAP funding hanging in the balance, he fears families could be forced to make impossible choices just to eat.

“People are going to eat. So expect if there’s not food for them that robberies and thefts are going to go up. People are going to find food for their family,” Pfleger said.

On Tuesday, Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined forces with 25 other attorneys general and governors to challenge the USDA over the suspension of SNAP.

The group is requesting a federal judge to order the Trump administration to use contingency reserve funds to keep the program running, making sure families can continue to put food on the table throughout November.

Segura said the threat of SNAP ending, along with heightened immigration enforcement targeting Latinos, has made her anxious. However, she said she is grateful to have a place like the pantry that provides food, security and peace of mind for her and many others.

“It’s a win-win,” Segura said.