'We're going to make a difference': Fight2Feed steps in as SNAP benefits decrease

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Anyone receiving emergency additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Illinois because of the pandemic will see their benefits drop this month.

It means families could see up to $250 less per person a month. At least one Chicago nonprofit has already seen demand ramp up in anticipation of this change. CBS 2's Sabrina Franza met with Fight2Feed.

Jiwon McCartney, founder of Fight2Feed, said the group "rescues" surplus food from partners like Imperfect Produce, food services, and large events to redistribute to people who need it.

Fight2Feed is a volunteer only organization. Not only are they repurposing food, in bags and with cooked meals, they're repurposing space, working out of the kitchen at McCormick Place.

"Repurposing space that's not being used," McCartney said.

Their pantry, fridge, and calendar are now all full.

"We've been prepping. We've been working. Because of this space, we've been doing to expect the worst," she said.

As of March 1, emergency allotments for SNAP, the federal food assistance program, go back to pre-pandemic amounts. For about two million Illinoisans, they'll see their benefit decrease anywhere from $95-$250 per person, per month.

"It's not just those on SNAP programs. It's not just those who are high need, or in food deserts, but we're going to see the need from all over," McCartney said.

Fight2Feed has already seen an increased demand as this news gets out, going through food bags faster than ever.

"We get DMs, emails. We get the story, like 'my husband lost his job. I have four kids and I'm pregnant,'" McCartney said.

More families fighting to put food on the table.

"This is how we're gonna change it. This is how we're going to make a difference and that needle's going to start to move," McCartney said.

Fght2Feed said it'll continue sourcing food from large distributors, taking their extras so those who need this benefit and their services can receive it.

In:
• Food Emergency
• Chicago