Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson participated in food distribution events across several neighborhoods as part of efforts to support families ahead of Thanksgiving. The mayor joined activities in the West Loop, West Englewood, North Lawndale, and South Deering, working with community organizations to address food insecurity linked to recent interruptions in federal SNAP benefits.
“Chicagoans should never have to worry about where their next meal will come from,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “As the holiday season gets underway, we’re working closely with our community partners to ensure food pantries, which have been impacted by Trump's cuts, are supported and working families across Chicago have access to the relief they need. Together, we are standing with our neighbors and strengthening the community networks that keep families protected.”
Food distribution events on Monday included stops at Safer Foundation on South Kedzie Avenue, Evening Star Ministries on West 59th Street, Marillac St. Vincent on South Francisco Avenue, and a turkey giveaway event at 2510 East 106th Street.
In the past week, Mayor Johnson has met with leaders of local aid organizations and volunteers at various food pantries throughout Chicago. These visits aimed to highlight the work of these groups and explore ways for the city to better direct resources toward protecting food security.
Last Thursday morning, the mayor toured the Salvation Army Freedom Center in Humboldt Park. There he spoke with staff about their SNAP-related food distribution programs and learned about current needs among residents.
Later that day, Johnson visited Heritage International Community Development Corporation. He discussed pantry operations with leadership before volunteering alongside others during a food distribution event serving Austin residents.
On Saturday afternoon, he joined a Thanksgiving Celebration and Food Drive at Michele Clark Magnet High School in Austin—an annual event hosted by Fathers Who Care and other West Side organizations—where he helped distribute turkeys.
That same day, Johnson visited the construction site of the new South Side Islamic Center for Zakat Chicago’s annual Holiday Turkey Giveaway. The event distributed 150 turkeys to members of Chicago’s Muslim community.
Earlier this month, Mayor Johnson signed an executive order directing additional city resources toward community organizations ahead of expected reductions in SNAP benefits due to changes in federal eligibility requirements. The order authorized emergency procurement flexibility so city resources could be quickly directed to food pantries and small businesses facing increased demand because of these changes.
Information for residents affected by SNAP disruptions can be found at Chicago.gov/SNAP.