SNAP Update Message from Senator Mike Simmons

Dear Neighbor,

          Today is Wednesday, October 29 and I am in Springfield for the second and final week of Veto. While I am focused on passing legislation that serves the 7th District - like transit reform and renter’s rights - I want you to know that my heart is with you all, especially in light of the fact that SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits will halt this Sunday, November 1 due to the unnecessary federal government closure. Important: SNAP benefits from months prior to November can still be used. Across the entire country, all enrolled in SNAP, over 40 millions people, will not receive benefits in November. You can read my formal statement on this issue here.

          In the 7th District, 25,869 residents depend on SNAP. 7,086 of these residents ARE CHILDREN, 10,708 are between the ages of 19-59, and 8,075 are over the age of 60 (per the Illinois Department of Human Services). I know what it feels like to go to bed hungry, and as your state senator, I will not stand idly by and allow any child, any senior, or any family to needlessly go hungry in my district.

          Beginning Monday, November 3, I am transforming my district office, located at 1040 W. Bryn Mawr, into a mutual aid hub to make sure as many people as possible are fed. I and my staff will be accepting non-perishible, shelf-stable nutritious food, toiletry items, and diapers. Our hours will be Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

          This is a call to action. If you have the ability to drop off a donation, volunteer your time to help receive donations and distribute them, or contribute by providing outreach, please call or stop by my office. I and my staff will make sure individuals who are not able to leave their homes or feel safe leaving will receive food, and will coordinate drop-offs of donations to our local food pantries.

          Also, it is critically important that we support our incredible food pantries, they need resources, volunteers, and donations. Below you will find a comprehensive list of these organizations in the 7th District.

          As we approach the holiday season, a time of year that emphasizes generosity and celebration, I know we will overcome this challenging moment together, just as we always do. We need helpful, caring, friendly neighbors to support this community effort and truly appreciate all of you.

          If you would like to support in any way, please contact my office at 773-769-1717 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. From my heart to yours, thank you.

Sincerely,
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Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District

Senator Simmons’ District Office Transforms into SNAP Mutual Aid Hub Beginning Monday, November 3

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          Beginning Monday, November 3, I am transforming my district office, located at 1040 W. Bryn Mawr, into a mutual aid hub where you can drop off nutritious, non-perishable food, toiletries, and diapers to make sure as many people as possible are fed and taken care of during the SNAP and federal government shut down. Receiving hours will be Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact my office to volunteer to help receive donations and do outreach at 773-769-1717 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Support Your 7th District Food Pantries

Care for Friends SNAP & Medicaid Volunteer Training

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          Care for Friends has implemented a “SNAP and Medicaid Volunteer Program” with training, that is free and available for all to download via this link. Learn how you and your favorite community based organizations can stay ahead of the curve. And make sure to share this training with any organizations that offer volunteer opportunities!

ONE Northside Neighbor to Neighbor Network 

          ONE Northside’s Neighbor-to-neighbor (N2N) support is a system where trusted allies help vulnerable people reduce their risks. This can mean help with everyday tasks like getting groceries, running errands, school pick up & drop off, or more time-intensive help like filling out documents, and accompanying folks to appointments.

          This is 3 neighborhood-based networks (Rogers Park, Edgewater/Uptown, West Ridge) bringing together representatives from participating groups -- including social service agencies, congregations, schools, community organizing / mutual aid organizations, and other groups in the neighborhood -- who have vulnerable people who need to reduce their risk of interacting with federal agents AND/OR trusted allies that can meet their mutual aid needs. Click here to sign up!

SNAP Facts

          The Trump Administration is stopping SNAP (food stamps) funding for 42 million Americans during the federal government shutdown, including 1.9 million Illinois residents. Benefits from months prior to November can still be used.

          Federal officials with the Trump Administration have notified all states that it will not fund November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits if the federal government shutdown continues. As a result, SNAP customers will not receive November food benefits. In previous government shutdowns, Congress and the President have come to an emergency funding resolution before families were affected.

          For SNAP updates from the Illinois Department of Human Services, please visit the: SNAP Federal Impact Center.

Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter! If you ever want to reach out to our office, please call us at 773-769-1717, and we will respond promptly. We can also be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via my website, senatormikesimmons.com.