SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — If the federal government shutdown continues, money for those on SNAP benefits will run out at the end of the month. It comes as changes to the food assistance program are set to go into effect in December, leaving many Illinois lawmakers concerned.
Advocates say cuts to SNAP benefits outlined in the Big Beautiful Bill will hurt nearly two million people in Illinois.
The Illinois Commission to End Hunger said food is a basic human right, regardless of personal challenges or circumstances. Concerns are growing over new work requirements for people who hope to continue receiving food stamps.
"Making working people jump through additional hoops only makes it harder for them to secure the food that they need," said coalition co-chair Kate Maehr. "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 the new work requirements will impact 450,000 Illinoisans. People who cannot prove they are exempt from working will lose their benefits in March.
Downstate farmers told lawmakers they will lose a market of people who will no longer be able to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.
"It actually takes me personally 20 minutes to get to the closest grocery store," said farmer Wayne Sirles of Rendleman Orchards. "Therefore, we have a lot of people in our surrounding area and counties that literally have to travel 45 minutes to go to the grocery."
Work requirements could also impact 23,000 veterans across the state. The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs explained about 11% of working age veterans between 18 and 64 live in food insecure households.
"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," said Rep. Nicolle Grasse (D-Arlington Heights). "This is not American. This is not right, and I cannot be silent in that."
Yet, Illinois Republicans are in favor of the work requirements. Rep. Jason Bunting (R-Watseka) said this change could help weed out people abusing the program.
"We cannot legislate integrity. We have to have people be good people," Bunting said. "We have to have neighbors be good neighbors."
The Illinois Department of Human Services will keep customers informed on this evolving situation online, by text and through mailed notices.
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