Nearly 2 Million Illinois Families Could Lose SNAP Benefits

Nearly two million people across Illinois could lose access to food assistance just weeks before Thanksgiving.  If Congress doesn't pass a budget at the end of the money, say goodbye to SNAP.

According to the IDHS (Illinois Department of Human Services), the US Department of Agriculture has already warned states that SNAP benefits won't be funded starting November 1st if the government continues to be shut down.  That mean nearly 2 million Illinois residents will be left wondering how they'll afford groceries.

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Nearly 2 Million Illinois Families Could Lose SNAP Benefits

Since October 1st, the government has been without a budget, and no progress has been made due to fights over healthcare funding.  The shutdown has become one of the longest-running in US history, and could easily pass up the longest running, which currently stands at 35 days during Trump's first term.

Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez said,

“They’re refusing to save health care for 22 million Americans, and now they’re willing to let 1.9 million Illinoisans—including children—go hungry. Somehow, they can find the money to pay the ICE agents who have terrorized our communities, but not to keep food on our kids’ tables.” [stlpr]

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Right now, Illinois gives out about $350M in SNAP benefits every month to low-income individuals and families, and 45% of these households have children and individuals with disabilities.  On average, families receive $370 per month in benefits.

If Congress does pass a budget before the deadline, benefits will continue as normal.  If they don't get a budget passed, Illinois residents could be faced with a devastating blow this holiday season.