CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Families in the Chicago area that are still struggling financially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic may be getting more assistance with food, thanks to a new grant.
The Northern Illinois Food Bank plans to add a customer relationship database using a $100,000 grant from Jewel-Osco.
Chief philanthropy officer Maeven Sipes said it should allow them to keep clients up to date on changes in government programs such as SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, what was once food stamps.
"Right now we don't have a great way to let people know what's happening that maybe they're not eligible for additional SNAP benefits or maybe people that weren't eligible before are now eligible," Sipes told WBBM Newsradio.
Those changes include allowing people to fill out applications over the phone since in-person meetings were limited last year and replacing meals once given out to students at schools.
The Food Bank met a 25% increase in need over the fiscal year that ended in June giving out 100 million meals.