How to Find Food Assistance in Chicago
Millions across the state are still waiting for November SNAP benefits to be paid out as the government shutdown continues. Beyond this current crisis, others remain anxious about their future eligibility for food assistance once the federal government's new stricter work reporting requirements go into effect next year. All the while, Chicago’s food assistance organizations, food banks, and mutual aid groups are bracing for the inevitable rise in food insecurity across the city. We are talking with Ruby Ferguson, the Senior Director of Community Engagement at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, about how the city’s network is preparing for the worst.
Good News: Nakama Toys
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
If you enjoyed today's interview with Deborah's Place Board President, Rosie Drumgoole, learn more here.
Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 10 episode:
- The Newberry
- Paramount Theatre
- Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Why Block Club Sued ICE
It took Block Club Chicago’s investigative reporter Mick Dumke 11 months to get one page of records from ICE about the clash between its...

Can Mayoral Candidates Double Dip? Plus, Ford City’s Future
Mayoral candidate Bill Quinlan’s lawsuit aims to block Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, and Cook Co...

How Chicago Latinos Are Changing Neighborhoods
Little Village was once known as the city's largest Latino neighborhood, but a new report found Belmont Cragin now has the largest Latino...

Art Institute Returns Nazi-Looted Painting. Plus, Fourth Shedd Beluga Dies
The Art Institute of Chicago is returning a 113-year-old painting to the family of its original owner after an investigation revealed it...

Why Are There Sukkahs in North Lawndale? Plus, Chicago’s Queer-Affirming Churches
Contributors Anna DeShawn and Adora Namigadde join us with picks from the Chicago Underground and International Film Festivals. Plus, we...

Are Illinois’ County Jails in Crisis? Plus, Big Changes at MSI
Following a historic number of deaths in 2023, growing concerns over standards violations, and an investigation into ongoing unreporting,...

Where Are the Flock Cameras? Plus, Circus on the River
Today we’re talking about the rise of Flock automatic license plate reading cameras on college campuses, including at the University of I...

More Chicagoans Can’t Afford Food. Plus, Fall Storefront Theater
This year, Chicagoans have seen more grocery stores close on the South and West Sides, SNAP benefits stripped from tens of thousands of h...

Who Owns the Word 'Dope'? Plus, Chicago's Divviest Summer Ever
Today we’re talking about a local historian’s fascinating copyright battle, the rise of microcinemas and film clubs, and the ‘Divvyficati...

Who’s Building Guerrilla Bus Benches in Ukrainian Village? Plus, Fall in the Air
A neighborhood group is building bus benches in Ukrainian Village. But will the city remove the unauthorized infrastructure? Executive pr...


