JUF’s TOV & Public Affairs partner to help SNAP recipients retain food assistance benefits

Volunteers at JUF Uptown Cafe. (The Dina and Eli Field EZRA Multi-Service Center)

Protecting the most vulnerable has long been core to JUF’s mission.  

When H.R. 1 (the “One Big, Beautiful, Bill Act”) imposed new work requirements on SNAP recipients, it put food assistance benefits at immediate risk for those falling short of 80 working hours per month. JUF’s TOV and Public Affairs departments activated to help ensure vital nutrition supports continue through partner provider education, engagement, and expanding volunteer access.  

“We knew that JUF was equipped to first help our provider community assist SNAP recipients to obtain work requirement exemptions where appropriate, so we developed resources that explained how to properly obtain exemptions,” reflected Amy Zimmerman, JUF’s Associate Vice President for State Government Affairs. “For individuals who aren’t eligible for exemptions, once we learned that volunteering satisfied the new work requirements, we reached out to TOV and asked, ‘Can we adjust our volunteering website to include opportunities for individuals who are at risk of falling short of the 80 hour work requirement?”’ 

Zimmerman understood that there would be individuals like gig workers and those in the volatile low wage job market who could need 10-15 volunteer hours each month to satisfy the new work requirements and thereby keep their SNAP benefits. 

“We wanted to be able to help meet the moment,” explained Marissa Comin, JUF’s Associate Vice President of Community Outreach & Engagement. “We already had infrastructure in place—volunteers can go to our accessible registration page and see any given project 60 days in advance, which is especially helpful if you have a quota you must meet for the month.” 

Together with Zimmerman, Comin verified sufficiency of the TOV processes and volunteer tracking with the Illinois Department of Human Services to ensure seamless approval of volunteer hours. “We have a system in place, and it’s easy for us to track and report volunteer hours on a rolling or monthly basis,” Comin said. “We also updated our registration page so volunteers can note if they need a verification letter upon completion.” 

“I was so excited about how eager and on board the TOV team was,” Zimmerman said. “SNAP is a lifeline for so many of our partner agency clients. We are committed to helping people continue to receive these benefits and know that we are a resource they can count on.” 

The collaboration reflects a broader truth: When policy shifts threaten the stability of community members, JUF’s departments are equipped to respond quickly, efficiently, and creatively. The partnership also serves as a practical model for peer organizations facing similar challenges. 

“If we can do this at JUF, partners across the country should be able to do this as well,” Comin added. 

To learn more about volunteer opportunities available through TOV or to sign up, visit tovregistration.juf.org.