I Benefit from SNAP

The federal government just issued catastrophic reductions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). But we can lift our voices to restore it. The Food Depository is calling on Chicagoans to share stories of how we benefit from SNAP and how cuts will impact you and our community.

Your Voice Matters. Congress Needs to Hear From You.

Members of Congress who opposed cuts to SNAP, including many in Illinois, need information about the personal impact of SNAP on their constituents' lives to fight these harmful policies.

Tell us how SNAP and EBT benefits you and your community. The Food Depository will use your zip code to connect your story with a local representative. We want to hear from individuals, community organizations, local businesses and more. You don't have use your name.

Share Your Story

Advocate

Tell Your Story

Illinois representatives need to know how SNAP benefits our community.

The Food Depository will make sure they hear your story. Click the link below and follow the prompts to lift your voice. Here are some tips:

Make sure the story is personal and that it is your story to tell.
Highlight the impact that cuts to SNAP would have on your situation. What would it be like if you didn't receive the support of EBT?
You don't need statistics, just speak from the heart about your own experience and what you see in your community.

Get Started

Get the Facts on SNAP

SNAP is a vital lifeline for millions of Americans. Over one million families in Illinois receive food assistance through SNAP.

Health benefits: SNAP improves overall health outcomes, reduces health care costs, and supports the well-being of children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities.

Economic impact: Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates up to $1.50 in economic activity during an economic downturn, helping businesses, especially food retailers, stay afloat.

Long-term benefits: Early access to SNAP improves educational and economic outcomes, breaking the cycle of poverty.

Reductions to SNAP benefits will increase food insecurity and shift the burden to food banks, pantries, and other charities, which cannot fill the gap alone. For every meal the Feeding America network provides, SNAP provides nine meals.

Learn More

Want to Support Our Policy Priorities? Become an Advocate for Change.

Visit our action center to advocate for important policy changes, encourage your legislators to act and receive updates about future opportunities to take action.

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Success Stories

When We Raise Our Voices Together, We Can Make Lasting Change

At the Greater Chicago Food Depository, we advocate for federal, state and local policies that protect our community from hunger and its root causes.

Read how our advocates helped to advance solutions that address the root causes of hunger and promote equitable food access

Ways to Help

More Ways To Get Involved

Help comes in many forms. Choose the way best-suited to you — everything helps.

Give

Donate and make a critical impact in the work we do through a one-time gift, monthly donation, tribute gift, stock gift or more.

Volunteer

Explore our volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups and sign up to help at our facility or in the community.

Start a Virtual Food Drive

Start a fundraiser with friends, family or coworkers and make an immediate difference in our community.

Learn

Discover more about food insecurity and its impact on our community through research on hunger-related issues.

Additional Ways to Support

Attend an event, buy Food Depository merch or learn how to support us when you shop and dine.

Take Action Today to End Hunger and its Root Causes

We need you to help advocate for policies that protect our community from hunger! Our action center is a quick and easy way for you to make a big impact for our community. Sign up to advocate for important policy changes, contact your legislators to act and receive updates about future opportunities to take action.

Take Action Now