AURORA –The U.S. Department of Agriculture informed states two weeks ago it would not fund the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program – also known as SNAP – unless the federal government reopens. According to State Senator Linda Holmes, this means 1.9 million Illinois residents – including nearly 22,000 in the 42nd District -- are at risk of losing food assistance benefits starting Nov. 1.
SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford nutritious food essential to their health and well-being. Nearly half of Illinois’ SNAP households have older adults, children or a person with a disability, and more than 44,000 veterans rely on the program for food assistance. It also supports more than 18,000 jobs in significant sectors of the economy from grocers, farmers and manufacturers, to transportation and municipal services, nearing $1 billion in Illinois wages.
“Across the board, this president’s tactics seem designed to create uncertainty, fear and suffering among families whose resources are already dwindling,” said Holmes. “In Illinois, we will continue to strengthen local programs that keep families fed – but we cannot do it alone.”
Holmes encourages those who have extra items in their pantries to reach out to area food banks and offer what they can. She is working with other state officials and community organizations to prepare for potential disruptions and to ensure vulnerable populations have access to emergency food assistance.
“Caring for our neighbors is an American tradition; let’s pull together and remind this administration that our Constitution represents our nation’s values.”
