IMPORTANT! Significant Changes to SNAP Benefits are Starting February 1st.
For Clients
The changes could affect your SNAP eligibility or require you to take extra steps to receive SNAP benefits.
Start with These Steps
1) Update your information each month with IDHS
2) Determine if you need to meet new work requirements by February 1, 2026, or if you are exempt.
Use this screener to determine if you are exempt:
https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD
3) Share this info with you family, friends, and community
For Supporters and Volunteers
We expect more families to turn to Care for Real for food assistance in the coming months
because of the challenges of meeting and reporting these new requirements.
Ways to Help
1) Donate to help meet increased food needs
2) Volunteer to support pantry and delivery services
3) Share this information with friends, family, and neighbors to spread awareness of these changes
Through locations in Edgewater and Rogers Park, Care for Real (CfR) provides food, clothing, referrals, and additional services with compassion to improve the health and well-being of low-income residents to foster a stronger, healthier, equitable, and more stable community.
Home Sweet Home
On June 22nd, Care for Real held the Ribbon Cutting at our new home and announced that our Building Dignity: Caring for Our Neighbors campaign had reached our fundraising goal of $5 million through pledges, donations, and grants.
Neighbors, clients, donors, and volunteers joined to celebrate our ambitious dream becoming reality. We are now able to serve the record number of neighbors in need of food assistance even more efficiently, and with even greater dignity.
Our new home is a true testament to our incredible community. From everyone at Care for Real, thank you!
Our Mission in Action
Care for Real partnered with TEAM LEWIS Foundation to share Michael’s story, a former client and now volunteer. Watch the short video to see our mission in action, hear from staff, and learn more about what we do.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Care for Real relies on the support of more than 1,200 volunteers to help distribute food five days a week to thousands of neighbors facing food insecurity each year.
“That moment when I hand over groceries to someone and see their smile illuminate above their mask is incredibly gratifying.”
Care for Real Volunteer
Visit Our Food Pantries
Care for Real distributes food four days a week. Care for Real serves neighbors residing in the 60640, 60660, 60626, 60659, and 60645 zip codes.
CfR Swag Shop
Shop our CfR Swag Shop through Tee Mart Decorated Apparel! A portion of each sale will be donated to Care for Real. Shop to donate today and get your CfR tie dye tees, fanny packs, hoodies, and more!
CfR News
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