When the federal government shutdown began on October 1, many families faced fears about food assistance. Niles Township Supervisor Bonnie Kahn Ognisanti noticed a surge in people visiting the local food pantry right away. Even now that the shutdown has ended and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds are starting to flow again, Ognisanti expects the number of visitors to stay high.
To meet this demand, the Township aims to bring in 1,000 regular donors who can contribute at least $20 a month. This move is crucial as many families might still struggle to make ends meet.
In July, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA), which changed SNAP’s eligibility rules. Starting December 1, new work requirements will apply to adults up to age 64, including those caring for young children. This means many more people will need to meet specific work criteria to qualify for assistance. The law also limits SNAP access for certain immigrants, which may hit local communities hard, including areas with large immigrant populations like Skokie.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP currently serves about 41.7 million people each month. However, as a result of these new regulations, experts estimate that around 2.4 million fewer individuals will receive benefits monthly over the next decade.
Ognisanti anticipates that many of those losing their SNAP benefits will turn to the Niles Township Food Pantry for help. The Township is encouraging local households to participate in a monthly donation drive, aiming for 1,000 families to contribute. If successful, this could generate $20,000 annually, providing essential support for maintaining the food pantry’s supplies.
Community spirit is strong in Niles Township. Ognisanti has witnessed a surge of support, with 100 families already signed up for donations within weeks of launching the campaign. She sees hope in community members stepping up to help each other.
Interestingly, recent economic challenges are also affecting local families. Mixed job reports and rising heating costs have increased financial stress on households. Daily visits to the food pantry averaged around 120 before the shutdown, and that number remains high, with about 200 families still coming each day.
Ognisanti believes the close-knit community in Niles Township will rally together to support those in need. Despite differences in wealth among residents, many understand the struggles of their neighbors, which creates a strong sense of empathy and support.
For more information, you can explore the U.S. Department of Agriculture for details on SNAP programs and eligibility changes.
