Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order that directs more city resources to community organizations, non-profits, food pantries, and faith institutions responding to uncertainty around Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The move comes as the city faces both a funding gap caused by the recent government shutdown and an upcoming “benefits cliff” tied to changes in federal SNAP eligibility.
The executive order grants emergency procurement flexibility so the city can quickly provide resources needed to address hunger and food insecurity arising from these cuts.
“We cannot accept Chicagoans going hungry as a result of the Trump administration’s war on poor and working people,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “While there has been a great deal of attention on the gap in SNAP funding because of the shutdown, we also face a longer-term, more consequential crisis with the cuts to SNAP as part of Trump’s signature bill. This executive order mobilizes City departments and allows us to partner with philanthropic partners to get food into the neighborhoods where it is needed most.”
The order will also support local retailers and restaurants impacted by reduced SNAP purchasing power, decreased foot traffic due to increased immigration enforcement, and growing requests for free or donated goods.
City departments including the Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS) will work together on weekly status reports outlining impacts, response efforts, gaps, and urgent needs in affected communities.
These measures are intended to supplement existing programs addressing food insecurity. CDPH continues to administer the federally funded WIC program, which provides nutrition assistance for pregnant women, new mothers, children, and infants.
The full text of the executive order will be posted on the City Clerk’s website.