In the heart of Chicago, the long‑standing delicatessen Manny’s Deli (since 1942) quietly opened its doors to a new kind of service this week: not just a meal sold, but a meal gifted. As the pause in SNAP benefits spread uncertainty among families across Illinois, the team at Manny’s decided to step in and extend a helping hand.

The offer is simple and heartfelt: present your SNAP card , and you’ll be eligible for a free “family meal,” whether you dine in or carry it home. No catch. No heavy paperwork. Just a warm recognition that when food access gets shaky, community matters.

Inside the mahogany‑lined dining room at 1141 South Jefferson Street, the mood shifted from the usual rush of sandwich orders and soup bowls to something gentler. Staff greeted card‑holders with the same car

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