Federal funding cuts could put more than 350,000 people in Illinois at risk of reduced or cut SNAP benefits, and local food banks are bracing themselves.
Those organizations are bracing for the potential impact of cuts and new work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and what this could mean for people who truly need assistance.
Leaders of the Northern Illinois Food Bank in suburban Geneva, along with congressional leaders, held a roundtable Thursday to discuss those concerns.
“We’re all trying to figure out when the cuts are going to take place,” said Julie Yurko, President and CEO of Northern Illinois Food Bank. “We believe starting right away anyone who is undocumented will no longer be able to get SNAP and then over the next two years cost of SNAP is going to be transferred to the state starting with administrative costs and the actual benefits going to the neighbor.”
As a result, local food banks are preparing to see an increase in demand and need, as leaders know once the cuts and reductions hit that more families will walk through their doors.
One SNAP recipient told NBC Chicago he’s grateful for the support and assistance of the food bank. He’s disabled and hasn’t been able to work and worries his benefits will be reduced.
“It’s tough. It’s a serious issue,” said Terry Roman. “I hope they can do something about it because it’s not like a lot they’re giving. It seems like it, but the stores, the prices keep [going up]. It’s not a luxury it’s a necessity— you have to eat.”
Roman shared his story at the roundtable. Residents and officials talked about the impact on Americans as they wait for the cuts to take effect in coming months and years.
“The tax cuts that they provided for billionaires are almost three times as big as the cuts in the systems that they provided,” said Rep. Sean Casten, who represents Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. “Does Elon Musk need more money? Does Donald Trump need more money?”
Casten and fellow Rep. Bill Foster are calling on people in the community to step up, donate or volunteer as food banks will be hit with the burden.
According to the Urban Institute, the average family may lose $146 per month in SNAP support.
Republican leaders are responding to the SNAP cuts and reductions. Rep. Darin LaHood of Illinois 16th Congressional District issued a statement to NBC Chicago.
“The narrative that House Republicans are cutting SNAP benefits for those who need them is absolutely false,” said Rep. LaHood. “For critical programs like SNAP to continue for generations to come, we must prioritize addressing the spending crisis in our country and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in federal spending. While far-left Democrats ramp up fearmongering tactics, House Republicans are focused on preserving this program for those who need it most, increasing transparency, supporting rural and underserved communities, and prioritizing care for our nation’s most vulnerable populations.”
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