In late October, staff at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois’ (LSSI) Portage Cragin Counseling Center in Chicago set up a temporary pantry in the building lobby in response to the impending termination of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on Nov. 1 due to the federal government shutdown.
The shelves are stocked with basic, shelf-stable food items such as dried rice and beans, canned goods, peanut butter, and other non-perishable foods. Recently, staff began adding household cleaning supplies like detergent and personal hygiene items such as soap.
Many clients at Portage Cragin have limited or no Social Security income, disability benefits, or are unemployed. “They rely heavily on SNAP and other benefits to survive,” said Courtney George, Associate Executive Director, Recovery & Reintegration. George initially stocked the shelves with Marisella Morris, Senior Director of Mental Health Services.
“Established food pantries are facing high demand due to inflation and the termination or delay of SNAP benefits,” George explained. “Our small shelves can’t compete with a full food pantry, but they can help provide dinner for a couple of nights for someone in need.”
While the federal government shutdown has recently ended, and SNAP food assistance is being restored, staff continue to stock the small pantry, which can offer support during the holidays and whenever clients’ resources are strained.
George is encouraged by the community response. “Many people are generously contributing to maintain the supplies,” she said. “So much about our world these days feels chaotic and out of control, and the most vulnerable among us are suffering because of that chaos. This shelf may not be much, but it’s something.”
Learn more here about LSSI’s Portage Cragin Counseling Center.
Caption: Staff and clients at Portage Cragin Counseling Center are building community around a makeshift food pantry in the center’s lobby.
