Millions of people in Illinois and across the country are facing a pause in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting November 1, as the ongoing federal government shutdown has halted funding for the program. The Greater Chicago Food Depository and City Colleges have responded by holding public information sessions to inform residents about these changes.
Terrance Smith, a resident of Englewood who relies on SNAP benefits, expressed concern while waiting at a local food pantry. “It’s not good because people do have to eat,” he said. “I come to the food pantry to offset what I get on SNAP benefits. So now, next month, we won’t get SNAP benefits.” Smith also voiced fears that crime could increase as more people struggle to afford food. “It’s gonna be rough for a lot of people. So, I just hope that people just can really maintain, and try to maintain until something’s worked out right,” he said. “You gotta figure like this, it may be some crime going up. People can’t eat, so people might start robbing more, you know what I’m saying?”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has stated that without congressional action or resolution of the shutdown before the end of October, there will not be enough funds to continue SNAP into November. The Illinois Department of Health and Human Services (IDHS) has confirmed that the state lacks resources to replace lost federal funding if it does not arrive.
According to IDHS estimates, about 1.9 million Illinois residents will be affected by this interruption in SNAP benefits out of roughly 41.7 million nationwide.
The Trump administration has blamed Democrats for the halt in SNAP funding during the shutdown, while Democrats argue they are fighting against cuts to healthcare and working toward expanding the Affordable Care Act. Although some Republican-sponsored bills aim to restore funding for food assistance during the shutdown, they have yet to pass.
A statement posted on the USDA website reads: “Bottom line, the well has run dry.” Democrats have called for use of contingency funds set aside for emergencies such as natural disasters; however, USDA officials say those funds are not available for regular program operations.
State Rep. La Shawn Ford spoke about local governments’ inability to fill gaps left by lost federal funding: “I mean, you see lines of people in need of food assistance, and we know that come November 1, if the shutdown is not over, they’re going to lose assistance with SNAP benefits and people are going to lose health care,” Ford said. “There’s nothing we could do. Local government and state government can’t do anything. We rely on the federal government to send money to the state and to local governments in order to operate.”
If benefits are halted next month due to lack of federal funds during a government shutdown, it would be unprecedented since SNAP's origins dating back to programs established under President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s.
To keep communities informed about both immediate disruptions from the shutdown and future changes stemming from recent legislation known as Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” Greater Chicago Food Depository staff have been hosting events at City Colleges including Daley College and Olive Harvey College.
Angelica Chavez from Greater Chicago Food Depository explained options available if no resolution is reached: “Some states might be trying to identify pockets of funding that they could activate to load or thinking about some creative solutions.” However, she noted guidance from Axios indicating that states using their own funds would not receive reimbursement from the federal government.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has indicated an interest in finding ways for Illinoisans impacted by lost benefits but stressed challenges given reliance on federal money for these programs.
Meagan Lampignano attended one such session at Olive Harvey College where she studies; her family depends on SNAP support as her mother works multiple jobs but still needs additional help feeding their household.
Alongside short-term disruptions caused by potential benefit pauses due to political stalemates in Washington D.C., major structural changes are scheduled for December when new requirements take effect under recently passed legislation supported by President Trump’s administration.
These rules require most adult participants—except certain groups such as minors under age 17 or seniors over 65—to show proof each month that they work or volunteer at least 80 hours per month or risk losing eligibility after three months unless exempted by specific criteria like caring for young children or being pregnant.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository estimates that up to one-fifth of current participants could lose access because of these stricter requirements.
Further adjustments set for October 2027 will require states—including Illinois—to cover part of program costs directly; this may cost Illinois up to $800 million annually amid already tight budget conditions forecasted through fiscal year 2026.
In addition to new work requirements reducing eligibility among legal immigrants is expected; individuals granted asylum or fleeing violence may face additional barriers accessing support services under these reforms.
Man-Yee Lee from Greater Chicago Food Depository shared data indicating most households receiving SNAP include children or elderly/disabled members unable work due age/health reasons: “If SNAP participants are not working, it is usually due other barriers…like insufficient childcare [or] reliable transportation…not because unwillingness work,” Lee said.
Kevin M. Yates—who operates pop-up pantries—is seeking collaboration with organizations like Greater Chicago Food Depository should further disruptions occur: “We know that we’re all gonna have work together…I think there’s power in people…and more likely…it is we can do something about it,” Yates said.
Ashley Munson—a former employee now hosting CAN-TV’s political show—warned forthcoming policy shifts could affect farmers and broader economic stability tied agricultural supply chains: "Food programs...are always up contention...this time it's affecting farmers...inflation...tariffs...kind makes everything a dumpster fire..."
Ruby Ferguson urged residents attending Daley College sessions take action locally: "It's going impact...a lot our communities," Ferguson said."This is an attack on communities color...poor communities...it's a new reality...we need really equip ourselves with information."