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Well before the current crisis involving SNAP benefits, families have been struggling to put food on the table, right here in Champaign-Urbana and the surrounding communities. Here’s where to go for help.
Many East Central Illinois families are facing job loss, reduced hours or loss of federal benefits this fall. On Nov. 1, these challenges will be exacerbated by the pause of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits by the federal government. About 1.9 million people in Illinois receive SNAP benefits, around 15 percent of the population.
Fortunately, many churches, organizations, and community groups are stepping up to help. We’re gathering information about these local food banks and assistance programs to share with our readers, using accurate and timely information shared by our friends at United Way of Champaign County; the Eastern Illinois Foodbank; Champaign-Urbana Public Health District; Feeding Our Kids; CU Mutual Aid; and other organizations committed to ensure no one goes hungry in our community.
MAP OF FOOD PANTRIES:
The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District has compiled a map (below) with comprehensive information about locations, times, and other valuable knowledge to help families navigate food resources including various food pantries, hot meals, little free pantries, and more. This map includes locations across Champaign, Urbana, and Mahomet; places to access food on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus; and mobile food pantries in communities across the county, including Ludlow, Philo, Sidney, Ogden, Homer, St. Joseph, Tolono, and Rantoul.
This list is updated on a regular basis. For a paper copy that can be downloaded and printed, visit https://www.c-uphd.org/food-pantries-in-champaign-county.html. Download links in English, Spanish, and French are available under the map. If you know of a food pantry that is not on this list, send an email to tgiannotti@c-uphd.org.
OUTSIDE OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY: Piatt, Douglass, Ford, Vermilion and more
- Eastern Illinois Foodbank Foodmobile Schedule: The Foodmobile visits each of the 21 counties at different frequencies, based on factors such as local food insecurity rates and access to local food sources. Please continue to check this schedule, as new distributions will be announced on a regular basis. Dates, times, and locations subject to change.
- Illinois Extension Food Finder: Visit the Find Food Illinois map from the University of Illinois Extension to locate food pantries, grocery stores, and meal sites anywhere in the state.
United Way of Champaign County encourages residents affected by the shutdown to seek help through these local and statewide resources:
- Call 211 – A free, confidential service that connects you to food pantries, meal programs, housing, and other essential services in your ZIP code.
- Champaign Unit 4 Schools – Will continue to provide breakfast and lunch for students during the shutdown, ensuring children have access to healthy meals.
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Rantoul City Schools — Students will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch options at every school, regardless of the federal government shutdown.
Other resources for SNAP recipients:
- The Literary is providing free meals for SNAP recipients starting on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Show your SNAP card to your barista and enjoy a free meal off of the Oh SNAP! menu once each day on weekdays between 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Know of a resource we should add? Let us know.