URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is responding to increased demand for food assistance amid the ongoing government shutdown and SNAP benefit disruptions. Publicly available resources are being shared by Extension to help Illinois families access food and to support local donation efforts. These tools also assist legislators, local government, and organizations in promoting food security during this challenging time.
Available Resources for Illinois Families:
Assistance with finding food
The Find Food IL Map is an effective tool that helps residents and their families locate food assistance by ZIP code, including nearby pantries, meal sites, and other resources. The map is accessible in English, Spanish, and French. Visit go.illinois.edu/FindFoodIL for details.
Support through donations
Food donation options are available for individuals and groups looking to support their local communities and families. Resources include guidance on donating excess household food and information about the Hunters Feeding Illinois deer donation program. Learn more at extension.illinois.edu/food/food-donations.
How to donate food
Use the Find Food IL Map to locate a nearby pantry or contact a regional food bank for larger donations. A pantry staples list and other resources are available to help guide donation choices.
For more information or questions about Illinois Extension’s Family and Consumer Sciences resources, including SNAP-Education, please contact Jennifer McCaffrey at jmccaffr@illinois.edu or Trinity Allison at trinitya@illinois.edu
SOURCE: Trinity Allison, SNAP-Ed senior program lead, Illinois Extension.
WRITER: Herbert Chavez, media communications coordinator, Illinois Extension.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.