The City of Bloomington Township provided emergency food assistance to nearly 500 people whose SNAP benefits were denied during the recent federal government shutdown.
The township distributed $67,400 in funds to 217 families who had applied for relief.
The township approved setting aside up to $150,000 for emergency assistance earlier this month after the Trump administration paused benefits.
From Nov. 4-13, 521 residents completed the intake process, and a total of 496 family members received emergency food benefits.
"Our small but dedicated team worked early mornings, through lunch hours and late into the evening to meet the needs of our community," township supervisor Deb Skillrud said. "Their commitment meant that every eligible household with complete documentation received assistance without delay."
Staff managed over 600 phone calls during the 10-day period, and many required several follow-up calls, Skillrud said. Households received benefits based on family size. One-person households received $200, two-person households received $300, three-person households received $400 and four or more person households received $500.
The township ended its benefit program Nov. 13 when the Illinois Department of Health Services announced SNAP benefits would be fully restored.
