On Oct. 16, the U.S. Department of Agriculture informed states it will not fund the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program – also known as SNAP – unless the federal government reopens. This means a total of 1.9 million Illinois residents 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.

Impacts on Illinois

• The lapse could strip benefits from our most vulnerable Illinoisans – from children to older adults to our unhoused population.
  • In Fiscal Year 2025, $4.7 billion in federal SNAP benefits were issued to Illinoisans, supporting over one million households, accounting for 1.9 million individuals total.
  • The state administers more than $350 million in SNAP benefits each month, funding that feeds families in every corner of the state.
• Data from the Food Research and Action Center on SNAP issuance in Illinois indicates that:
  • 44,217 veterans are participating in SNAP
  • 37% SNAP households have older adults
  • 45% SNAP households have children
  • 44% SNAP households have a person with a disability
• SNAP supports more than 18,000 jobs in Illinois, across both the grocery and other supporting industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and municipal services.
  • According to the National Grocer’s Association, SNAP supports nearly $1 billion in Illinois wages. This lapse could have far-reaching consequences for grocery stores and jobs as fewer SNAP dollars circulate in local economies. ​