Illinois Food Banks and Farmers Concerned Over SNAP Cuts for Families and Veterans

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Food banks and farmers in Illinois are raising concerns as SNAP benefits could run out at the end of the month if the federal government shutdown continues. Changes to the program set to take effect in December are also worrying lawmakers.

Advocates warn that the Big Beautiful Bill’s proposed cuts would affect nearly two million Illinois residents. The Illinois Commission to End Hunger stressed that food is a basic human right, and new work requirements could make it harder for people to access assistance.

Kate Maehr, coalition co-chair, said:

“Making working people jump through additional hoops only makes it harder for them to secure the food that they need. It’s not effective in promoting work or creating economic stability. Work requirements also threaten the health and safety of those who can’t work.”

The Illinois Department of Human Services estimates that 450,000 residents will be affected by the new work requirements, and those who cannot prove an exemption will lose benefits in March.

Downstate farmers are also concerned they will lose customers unable to purchase fresh produce. Farmer Wayne Sirles of Rendleman Orchards said:

“It actually takes me personally 20 minutes to get to the closest grocery store. Many people in surrounding areas have to travel 45 minutes just to reach a grocery store.”

Work requirements could impact 23,000 veterans statewide, with about 11% of working-age veterans living in food-insecure households, according to the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Rep. Nicolle Grasse (D-Arlington Heights) condemned the policy:

“We right now have a federal government that is choosing to make more of our neighbors, more of our children, our veterans, our seniors go hungry. This is not American. This is not right, and I cannot be silent in that.”

Illinois Republicans support the work requirements. Rep. Jason Bunting (R-Watseka) said:

“We cannot legislate integrity. We have to have people be good people. We have to have neighbors be good neighbors.”

The Illinois Department of Human Services will keep residents updated through online resources, text alerts, and mailed notices as the situation evolves.

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