Whitney Young, Skinner Park Council Host Food Drive Amid SNAP Funding Freeze

Whitney Young High School and the Skinner Park Advisory Council are conducting a food drive this week, accepting non-perishable food items and monetary donations to combat local food insecurity. Residents can drop off donations at several neighborhood businesses, including First Eagle Bank and West Loop Market, until Friday. The event culminates in a food giveaway at 11 a. m. Saturday at Whitney Young’s parking lot, where participants can receive food without questions asked.

This initiative is particularly timely as the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program faces funding uncertainties, impacting around 2 million Illinois residents reliant on SNAP benefits. The Skinner Park Advisory Council indicates that the most-needed items include canned vegetables, rice, and baby formula. Monetary contributions will also be used to purchase fresh produce, enhancing the support provided to families in need. The food drive represents a community effort to address growing food insecurity amid economic challenges. Local involvement is essential for meeting the ambitious fundraising goal of $30,000 to sustain nonprofit journalism in the area.