Thousands of Chicago families lost food assistance benefits on May 1 after the One Big Beautiful Act, signed into law last July, revised SNAP eligibility criteria.
According to 2026 data, 600,000 Chicagoans receive SNAP benefits, with 45 percent of recipients in families. On May 1, thousands lost eligibility under new work requirements — a minimum of 80 hours per month — leaving many scrambling to replace lost benefits.
The result: food pantries across the city are overwhelmed with demand and running low on inventory.
Mark Dynia, founder of Stuffed Love, is one such advocate. His organization runs food pantries and community refrigerators across Chicago’s southwest side.
One pantry and community refrigerator operate in West Elsdon at the UI Health Parking Lot, 5522 S. Pulaski Road, providing residents with fresh food.
Dynia has built relationships with stores and organizations to stock his pantries with food, diapers, baby care items, and women’s essentials. His work has expanded across Chicago’s southwest side.
Alderman Silvana Tabares has partnered with Stuffed Love to accept donations at both 23rd Ward offices: 5680 S. Archer Ave., Suite 100, and 3954 W. 63rd St. The drive runs through June 30th and accepts non-perishable food, baby food, diapers, baby care items, period products, and travel-sized toiletries.
“Donating to Stuffed Love is important because the need in our community continues to grow, and every item donated goes directly to helping families who are struggling with food insecurity and basic essentials,” Dynia said. “Whether it is food, diapers, period products, or household items, these donations provide immediate support, dignity, and that little bit of hope when families need it most.
“We are grateful to Alderman Tabares, her office, and everyone stepping up to help our neighbors.”
Tabares said the SNAP changes have strained local food pantries and called on residents to step up.
“No resident should go without food and essential items,” she said. “This initiative provides us all with the opportunity to support our neighbors in the 23rd Ward and beyond.”
Community Nuggets
The Garfield Ridge Farmer’s Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Archer and Narragansett. Fresh goods, local vendors, and marketplace merch, brought to you by the Midway Chamber of Commerce.
The Midway Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for the Midway Retail Market Portable Sheds, a new small business incubator at Archer and Narragansett. This program is designed to help local entrepreneurs test their business ideas, build a customer base, and grow into a permanent storefront within the Midway community. Applications are open for artisan and handmade goods, apparel and retail brands, pre-packaged food vendors, and unique small business concepts. For more information, go to midwaychamber.org.Â
Join the Midway Chamber of Commerce for its Annual Pet Vaccination Event: Paws in the Park — a fun, family-friendly day dedicated to keeping pets happy and healthy! Bring your furry friends to Wentworth Park for free services, local vendors, and exciting activities for the whole community. It’s on Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Blessing of the pets will take place at 9:30 a.m. Free dog vaccinations and microchipping will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch and CAPS Beat 811 officers for their combined meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Doors open around 6:45 p.m. at St. Faustina Ward Hall, 5151 S. McVicker Ave. The purpose is to identify chronic problems and issues that affect the community. Hear from your Beat 811 police officer, aldermanic representatives, Midway Chamber of Commerce, and the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch on what’s happening in the neighborhood. All meetings are livestreamed on Facebook and Instagram for residents to join virtually.
St. Dan Summerfest returns June 11-14, 2026! With lots of fun for all ages: carnival rides, games, bingo, entertainment, raffles sponsored by the parent club, and food brought to you by local restaurants. Bingo will be played on all days of the carnival, Thursday 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., Friday 6:30 to 11:30 p.m., Saturday 5:30 to 11:30 p.m., and Sunday 2:30 to 9:30 p.m.Â
Four days of fun for $75 with a prepaid wristband. Reserve and pay through Friday, June 6, online. On Wednesday, June 10, 4 to 8 p.m. in Brennan Hall, you can pick up your vouchers for wristbands. You can also pay for a voucher at this time. Pre-paid wristbands can be picked up on Thursday, June 11, at the Carnival Office Trailer in the Church parking lot starting at 4 p.m. During the carnival, wristbands will be available for $85 each. Daily passes will be available. See the carnival trailer for prices.
St. Daniel the Prophet Church’s food drive will take place on Sunday, June 14. Please consider bringing a can or package of a non-perishable food item to Mulligan Hall between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Join us for the Midway Chamber of Commerce for the most exciting and patriotic community traditions! The Annual Midway Chamber Patriot’s Day Parade kicks off at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, bringing together local businesses, organizations, and community members for an evening of celebration. Come early to grab a great viewing spot, cheer on participants, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. This beloved event is a great way to celebrate community spirit and connect with neighbors and local businesses. After the parade, join the chamber at Wentworth Park for a special showing of Zootopia 2 beginning at dusk (about 8:30–8:45 p.m.). Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and the whole family for a fun summer night under the stars!