Record numbers turn to Milton Township Food Pantry during SNAP shutdown
The recent government shutdown not only exacerbated food insecurity but also drew more attention to the economic stability of many Milton Township residents. Without SNAP benefits, many individuals and families turned to food pantries as their only source for groceries.
In September 2025, the Milton Township Food Pantry reached its new normal: 1,350 persons fed per month, representing around 350 shoppers. During the government shutdown, the food pantry shattered those numbers with an all-time high of 45 families shopping the pantry in a single three-hour shift, a jump of 150% to averaging 540 shoppers in a month.
Community rallies for their neighbors
Milton Township Food Pantry Director Dave Sezonov credits the community’s generous response to their food pantry’s overall success during the government shutdown of SNAP funds.
“During the last few weeks, the pantry has encountered a record number of clients, and we owe much of our success to the countless number of Milton Township residents and vetted pantry volunteers who came together to ensure our pantry shelves were fully stocked,” Sezonov said. “I’d also like to thank Supervisor Buffy Higgins-Beard and the township trustees for their hard work and support of the food pantry.”
The difference a dollar can make
The Milton Township Food Pantry, as with other food pantries, anticipates increased demand during the holiday season. Typically, more people access pantries in the winter months. Consider helping alleviate hunger by donating to your local food pantry.
Your monetary donations go further through Milton Township Food Pantry via purchases of supplies through the local food bank, Northern Illinois Food Bank.
For donations of every $1 purchase, $8 of various nutritious foods, including dairy, eggs, meat, and produce, can be secured for pantry-goers, resulting in more food distributed to hungry residents.
Whether there is a pandemic, a government shutdown, or a recession, the Milton Township Food Pantry consistently meets local needs of residents.
The Milton Township Food Pantry exists to ensure that all residents of Milton Township have access to a variety of healthy, nutritious, and sustainable food items and personal hygiene supplies, obtained through charitable donations and contributions.
As a client-choice food pantry, visitors make their own selections, thereby offering absolute dignity, honor, respect, and judgment-free support.
What began as simple acts of kindness from Milton Township office staff in 2001 has grown into a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, incorporated in 2002.
The Milton Township Food Pantry invites residents in need to sign up to be a member at the township office, 1492. N. Main St., Wheaton. Pantry hours are Tuesday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon or by appointment, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For further information, call the township office at (630) 668-1616 or visit miltontownship.net/assistance/food-pantry/.
To make a tax-deductible donation to the Milton Township Food Pantry, visit bit.ly/47CZ6kN.