Manny’s Deli to offer free meals for families affected by SNAP benefit pause

CHICAGO (WGN) — Manny’s Deli is stepping up as thousands of families face financial strain from the ongoing government shutdown and the pause in monthly SNAP benefits.

Beginning on Monday, the Near West Side restaurant, located at 1141 South Jefferson Street, will offer free meals to anyone who presents a SNAP card. Families can choose to dine in or take their meal to go.

Officials estimate nearly 2 million Illinoisans depend on SNAP, with the program supporting roughly one in eight Americans and costing about $8 billion a month.

In a social media post, Manny’s Deli wrote:

“In light of recent events around SNAP benefits, we want to keep our community fed and safe. For this first week, starting Monday, we are offering to anyone who comes in and shows us their SNAP card that we will make you a family meal for you to eat here or to-go.”

The restaurant also created a GoFundMe to raise money for the cause, saying all proceeds will go towards paying for meals for those affected by the SNAP cuts.