There was Christmas in the Wards at the Go Green Community Fresh Market in Englewood on Saturday, November 1 — and the spirit of giving was alive and well. The vibrant neighborhood grocery store, known for offering fresh produce, locally sourced goods, and prepared meals, became a hub of hope in response to the abrupt halt to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
As families brace for uncertain times, community leaders — including Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Alderwoman Stephanie Coleman, Alderwoman Pat Dowell, and Alderman David Moore — joined forces with Larry Huggins, Founder of Christmas in the Wards, to help mitigate the growing impact on households facing food insecurity.
To ease the burden, the first 100 attendees received $50 gift cards, providing families with a much-needed boost to purchase groceries and essentials.
Families are already struggling to make ends meet. With the SNAP stoppage, this is not just a food crisis — it’s a humanitarian one,” said Huggins. “For 28 years, our mission has been to bring relief and hope to communities across Chicago. We’re stepping in once again because no family should go hungry, especially during the holidays.”
The event was more than an act of generosity — it was a reflection of what makes Chicago strong: community, compassion, and collective action.
For nearly 60 years, the federal government’s SNAP program has supported millions of Americans. But with the recent government shutdown, approximately 42 million people are at risk of losing vital access to food — a crisis that has rippled through neighborhoods across the country.
In Englewood, however, hope remains. Through the continued efforts of Huggins and a network of civic leaders, Chicago is showing once again that when times get hard, the village rises together.
