Glenbard West to host food drive amid SNAP disruption

Glenbard West High School is organizing a community food drive amid the disruption to SNAP.

During the shutdown, the federal government has decided to make only partial SNAP payments for this month, the Illinois Department of Human Services posted in an update. Under the current federal plan, SNAP customers will, at most, receive 50% of their normal benefit, the agency reported.

However, in many cases, the federal government will pay far less than 50% of the normal benefit to SNAP participants, and many will not receive any at all for November. In DuPage County, more than 67,000 residents rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to buy groceries, according to state data.

Donations to the Glenbard West drive will benefit the Glen House Food Pantry on Park Boulevard and Family in Faith Food Pantry.

The first collection event will be held Friday, Nov. 14. Items can be dropped off at the Glen Ellyn school’s loading dock from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 594 N. Ellyn Ave. Items can also be dropped off at Biester Gym during the Thanksgiving Invitational, Nov. 24-26.

The Glen House Food Pantry is based out of a former Craftsman-style house and is open to anyone in need who lives, works or attends school in DuPage County.

The Family in Faith Christian Church built — and welcomes families to — the pantry on its property in Glendale Heights.