Evanston Activists Organize Emergency Food Drive As SNAP Is Cut Off

EVANSTON, IL — A group of activists in Evanston have organized an emergency food and mutual aid drive for the community in the wake of SNAP benefits being cut off in November.

The food drive will take place on Sunday, Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the fieldhouse parking lot at Evanston Township High School. Organizers will be accepting several items including gift cards to grocery stores, fresh produce and non-perishables.

The full list of accepted items can be found here.

"In the face of these horrifying attacks, it’s been deeply inspiring to see community members stand up to support and protect one another. Let’s keep it up and continue doing all we can to keep our neighbors safe," Mayor Daniel Biss said.

An analysis of USDA Food and Nutrition Service data by the Center on Budget and Policy Prioritiesshows that 1,935,600 Illinois residents, that’s 15 percent of the state population (1 in 7), depend on benefits to keep food on the table.

According to the data, more than 60 percent of SNAP participants in Illinois are families with
children, and 33 percent have family members who are elderly or disabled. In the fiscal year 2022, most Illinois SNAP participants have incomes below the poverty line, according to the data.

In 2024, participants in Illinois received $4.47 billion in benefits, averaging approximately $192 for each household member per month.

The Illinois Application for Benefits and Eligibility said unless further action is taken from the Trump administration to reopen the government, benefits cannot be administered. State officials said they are awaiting further guidance from the federal government, and are posting updates at snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov.