Wooden Paddle Restaurants Offer Free Pizza Lunches for SNAP Recipients in November
The Wooden Paddle restaurant is stepping up to support SNAP recipients this November. Both their Lemont and La Grange locations are offering free pizza lunches to those affected by the loss of their benefits. This comes as millions of Americans, including over 450,000 families in the Chicagoland area, face potential food insecurity due to benefit cuts and rising healthcare costs.
The Wooden Paddle's initiative is part of a broader effort to address the gap caused by potential cuts to SNAP benefits. Last November, various organizations and public officials, including the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Illinois state representatives, worked together to provide assistance to those in need. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker also signed an executive order, directing $20 million to food assistance.
Meanwhile, Manny's Deli near the South Loop is offering free family meals from Monday to Friday. The Go Green Community Fresh Market has already distributed $50 grocery vouchers to 100 residents in the Englewood neighborhood. However, with roughly 42 million Americans at risk of losing food stamps this weekend and Obamacare premiums set to double or triple next year, the need for support remains urgent.
The Wooden Paddle's free lunch offer is a timely and welcome initiative, but it underscores the broader issue of food insecurity faced by millions of Americans. As the government shutdown continues and Democratic lawmakers push for subsidies to be extended, it is crucial that communities and organizations continue to provide support to those in need.
