Unit 5 school district is reminding families of community resources as SNAP benefits continue to face uncertainty during the government shutdown.
Beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP] will only receive half of their normal payments, the Trump administration revealed in court this week.
Unit 5 sent an email to its entire campus and student families, with a list of resources, including all the food pantry sites in Bloomington-Normal that distribute year-round, as well as a map from Connect Transit. The map lays out a bus route map to several food pantries, their schedules and the addresses of bus stops.
Temporary offerings include an opportunity for SNAP beneficiaries to receive free or discounted food in Bloomington-Normal. Hy-Vee in Bloomington is offering free kids’ meals until Nov. 7 for children ages 12 and under, and $3 meals otherwise. Pizza Payaa in Uptown Normal is giving a free one-topping pizza for students under 18 with a SNAP benefits card.
Unit 5 also reminded families of additional food non-nutrition related programs:
- The Emergency Food Assistance Program, or TEFAP, for free nutritious foods through local pantries.
- The Women, Infants and Children [WIC] program for pregnant women, new mothers and children under 5.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families [TANF] for temporary financial assistance for families with children and pregnant women for food, shelter and utility expenses [LIHEAP].
- Healthcare Coverage from Medicaid and All Kids for low-income individuals.
- Application for Benefits Eligibility [ABE] where individuals can apply for and manage medical and cash benefits online.
