SNAP Disruption Could Create a Food Crisis in Our Community
The anticipated disruption of SNAP benefits in November could have serious consequences for families throughout the communities Loaves & Fishes serves. SNAP is a vital lifeline that helps 1.9 million Illinois residents—covering 1 million households—afford healthy food each month. Of those households SNAP serves, 45% include children, 37% include an older adult, and 44% include a person with a disability.
When families lose the stability that SNAP provides, they turn to trusted organizations like Loaves & Fishes for help. We are preparing to respond, but a disruption of this scale would drive the need to emergency levels of double or triple the current demand.
In our 4- county service area alone, more than 220,000 rely on SNAP. If those benefits are delayed or paused, Loaves & Fishes could see an unprecedented surge in need on top of already record-high numbers.
Loaves & Fishes is the largest food pantry in Illinois and is serving about 10,000 people each week–triple the number since the beginning of 2022–across DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will Counties. Of the clients we serve, most are working families with young children.
The best way to help during this critical time is through a financial donation to the Loaves & Fishes Hunger Action Fund. Monetary gifts allow us to purchase healthy food in bulk at discounted rates, respond quickly to increased demand, and ensure families have the nutrition they need.
Visit loaves-fishes.org/donate and select “Hunger Action Fund” to make a difference today.
*Donations to the Hunger Action Fund will be used to meet urgent community needs, such as a disruption in nutrition benefits, with any remaining funds supporting ongoing hunger relief efforts.