SNAP Update | High Holiday Collection Drive Results | Giving Tuesday | Chicago Jewish History
News from The Ark: November 2025
News from The Ark:
November 2025
The Recent Government Shutdown and Continuing Implications for The Ark’s Clients
Thousands of Jews across Chicagoland rely on SNAP benefits each month. The sudden suspension of payments on November 1st created an urgent need, and our community of supporters rose to the occasion.
Immediately, we were inundated with kind offers from community members eager to help. Volunteer groups jumped into action to pack emergency food packages; hundreds of Amazon boxes arrived, and more than 250 generous supporters contributed over $70,000 to our Food Security Program this month. All of this support goes a long way to help us expand our pantry offerings during these challenging times and help bridge the gaps caused by federal disruptions.
The Ark’s Food Security Program supports more than 3,200 individuals each year with free kosher food, fresh produce, and household essentials. Nearly 70% of these clients also receive SNAP benefits. In response to the shutdown, our Food Security Team launched a one-month emergency plan, distributing additional pre-packed pantry bags alongside regular orders, while case managers helped clients navigate available options for assistance.
“Many clients have expressed deep anxiety about not having enough money to cover essential needs such as food, rent, and utilities. The uncertainty has been incredibly stressful for them and their families. Our focus continues to be on helping them stay stable, supported, and connected to the resources they need.” – Naomi Ledersnaider, Director of Social Services at The Ark
Although the federal government shutdown ended on November 12, and SNAP benefits have resumed, our clients continue to rely on The Ark for vital supplemental support. Help keep our shelves stocked and our refrigerators full to support our clients. Consider how you can help Pack the Pantry:
- Donate Dollars: A monetary gift helps your dollar go farther to support the greatest needs in our community.
- Click and Ship: Shop our Amazon wish list and easily ship items to The Ark.
- Shop and Drop: Use our pantry collection list and drop off items at either our Chicago or Northbrook locations.
High Holiday Pantry Collection Drive: A Community Effort that Continues to Deliver
Volunteers organized donations at The Ark's Pantry Warehouse.
Before the incredible response we received during the government shutdown, this year’s High Holiday Collection Drive to pack the pantry had already demonstrated the remarkable power of our community to come together and care for one another.
Thanks to your generosity and the support of partners, volunteers, and donors across our community, we collected truckloads of nonperishable kosher food, personal care items, and household supplies, along with monetary gifts, for a total estimated value of over $150,000 to help sustain our Food Security Program.
Volunteers from JUF TOV gathered to help sort through donated goods.
Every single contribution, no matter how much, helps sustain The Ark’s kosher food pantries and allows us to direct our resources toward the greatest needs of our community.
The results this year were outstanding, but our work is not finished. Food insecurity persists, now more than ever, and The Ark remains committed to meeting the growing needs of Chicagoland Jews.
A heartfelt thank-you to all of our partners for supporting this year’s Pack the Pantry High Holiday Collection Drive. We are especially grateful to those that partnered with us by handing out flyers, distributing shopping bags, and sharing messages from the bimah to raise awareness about The Ark and inspire community participation.
Check out the list of participating synagogues below.
Congregants filled storage containers with donations.
Celebrate Giving Tuesday by Making Chanukah Gift Wishes Come True
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Buying Chanukah gifts or preparing festive meals can place an added financial strain on families already stretched thin, especially this year, as families struggle to maintain stability after the recent suspension of SNAP benefits and face looming cuts in 2026.
At The Ark, we believe that every family should be able to observe Jewish holidays regardless of economic challenges. With your support, we will once again provide Chanukah gift cards to parents in our community, giving them the dignity of choice when shopping for Chanukah.
You can help share the joy of Chanukah with 1,400 children across Chicagoland by making a gift today.
Make your donation by Giving Tuesday, December 2nd, and it will be matched, dollar for dollar, thanks to the generosity of Ark Trustees Francine and Tony Brown.
Chicago Jewish Historical Society & The Ark Present: Conversations from The Ark’s History
Join us on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at The Ark in West Rogers Park for a special afternoon of learning and storytelling. Moderated by Nathan Bloch, Ark Trustee and past Board President, this program will feature conversations with Allen Ray, past President; Allan Malmed, Chair of the Board of Trustees and past President; and Mimi Seleski, The Ark’s Director of Health Services and Clinic Manager. Together the panel will reflect on The Ark’s unique history and its lasting impact on the community over the past five decades.
Attendees will have the chance to share stories, learn about the essential work of The Ark, and take a guided tour of our facility. Highlights include The Market, our grocery-style kosher food pantry, and our state-of-the-art dental clinic.
Register today and share your memory or question about The Ark's history.
Volunteer Opportunity: Staff Photographer
Help The Ark capture the energy and engagement of our community volunteer programs by taking photos and assisting with the expansion of our digital photo library.
This is an “on-call” position, with most opportunities located at The Ark in West Rogers Park and our Pantry Warehouse in Lincolnwood. Periodic weekday and/or Sunday availability is required.
To express interest, please contact us at volunteer@arkchicago.org.
Are You Looking for Ways to Get Involved?
- Volunteer at our pantry in West Rogers Park and help pack and distribute grocery orders to clients.
- Bring a group to volunteer at our Pantry Warehouse in Lincolnwood. We have weekday, daytime shifts available for corporate, nonprofit, social, or family groups of adults to help unload and sort donations from the High Holiday Collection Drive.
- Schedule a tour of our West Rogers Park or Northbrook locations for a first-hand understanding of how The Ark provides support to address needs in our local Jewish Community.
- Make a connection between your company or organization and The Ark for an informational program or service project.
- Start a Pack the Pantry collection drive for our West Rogers Park and Northbrook pantries. Challenge your friends, neighbors, and co-workers to help you collect any one item from our pantry list.
- To express interest or learn more, contact us at volunteer@arkchicago.org.
Make a Difference in Our Community
Every gift to The Ark ensures that those facing hardship find a safety net and lifeline of support.
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We Are Here to Help
Refer a loved one or someone you know to The Ark for support from experienced case managers who create individualized plans using The Ark’s wide array of free services.
Call 773-973-1000 or visit arkchicago.org.
The Ark is a vibrant hub of vital human services, empowered by Jewish values, that lifts and strengthens the Jewish community.
Community-funded. A partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community.
