Lake County Gazette

The City, in collaboration with Moraine Township, West Deerfield Township, and other local governments, is taking steps to help residents affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown. The shutdown has resulted in reduced distributions from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which nearly 2 million Illinoisans depend on for food assistance.

The Northern Illinois Food Bank reports that since the start of the shutdown in October, food pantry visits have increased by 8 percent and calls to the SNAP hotline are up by 40 percent. Residents seeking emergency food or financial help can contact Moraine Township, West Deerfield Township, or use 211 Lake County for information about available resources.

Donations to local food pantries remain important for supporting families experiencing food insecurity. According to city officials, “Donating to local food pantries is a critical way to help families facing food insecurity. Together, we can ensure that everyone in our community has access to healthy food and the dignity that comes with it.”

Moraine Township encourages both cash donations—used to purchase needed items at a discount—and contributions of unopened, unexpired non-perishable foods and household goods. Items such as instant coffee and tea, condiments, seasonings, baking supplies, cleaners, personal care products, pasta (other than spaghetti), pasta sauce, crackers, canned proteins like tuna and chicken, and cereal are especially welcome. Donations can be dropped off at Moraine Township’s office during specified business hours.

The Moraine Township Food Pantry operates on Mondays from 2-4 PM; Tuesdays from 10 AM-noon; and Wednesdays from 1:30-3:30 PM. Pantry visitors receive a variety of fresh produce as well as shelf-stable foods. When available, SNAP recipients may also receive household goods and personal care items.

West Deerfield Township’s Food Pantry provides year-round support for residents facing hardship. Officials state that “the Pantry operates entirely on community generosity. Food and monetary donations are essential to keeping the shelves stocked and ensuring every resident has access to nutritious food and basic household necessities.” Cash donations allow the purchase of grocery gift cards so families can buy fresh items locally.

Items most needed by West Deerfield include baking products; various beans; canned fish; meat products; cereal; crackers; cleaning supplies; condiments; fruit cups or applesauce; pancake mixes with syrup; paper products like napkins or toilet paper; and personal hygiene items such as deodorant or feminine hygiene supplies.

Residents interested in assistance or wishing to donate can find more information at westdeerfieldtownship.org/food-pantry or by calling their listed number.

The Northern Illinois Food Bank serves communities across 13 counties including Lake County. It provides first-come-first-served mobile markets each week at different locations. This Friday’s market will take place at Ft. Sheridan Metra Station in Highwood from 3-4:30 PM. The organization also helps connect residents with local pantries and additional resources such as soup kitchens or mobile food truck markets.