Forest Park Event Highlights Impact of Federal SNAP Cuts on Illinois Families (Forest Park, IL) – Democratic leaders gathered Wednesday at Living Fresh Market in Forest Park to criticize federal cuts to food assistance programs one year after President Donald Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” into law, arguing the changes have hurt Illinois families and local grocery stores.
Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez, State Rep. La Shawn Ford, Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins and Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Christian Mitchell held the event at the Black-owned supermarket, where officials said approximately one-third of customers use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The speakers argued that changes to federal food assistance have reduced benefits for hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents while placing additional financial strain on independent grocers that rely on SNAP purchases.
According to the Democratic Party of Illinois, more than 360,000 low-income Illinois residents have lost food assistance benefits since the federal law took effect.
“Making sure no one goes hungry should be a goal that unites every leader—no matter what side of the aisle you stand on,” Hernandez said. “Illinois Democrats led by example and passed another balanced budget that prioritizes food access, emergency food assistance, and affordability.”
State leaders highlighted several provisions included in Illinois’ Fiscal Year 2027 budget, including nearly $100 million aimed at improving grocery affordability and $400 in emergency assistance for families who lose food assistance benefits. Officials also pointed to Gov. JB Pritzker’s Illinois Grocery Store Initiative, which seeks to expand grocery access in underserved communities.
Christian Mitchell said the state has worked to lessen the impact of federal policy changes through emergency food assistance, school meal investments and support for grocery stores.
Rep. Ford said reductions in SNAP benefits affect both families and local businesses.
“Republicans’ cuts to SNAP benefits not only undermine the livelihoods of hardworking families but also risk devastating small businesses like the one we’re in today,” Ford said.
Mayor Hoskins said the effects are being felt locally in Forest Park.
“Federal SNAP cuts are taking food off families’ tables and revenue out of our local economy,” Hoskins said.
Living Fresh Market Senior Executive Melody Winston said independent grocery stores have also experienced the effects of reduced food assistance.
“We’re grateful for the leaders here in Illinois who are doing everything they can to strengthen food assistance and help independent grocers like Living Fresh Market ensure families have access to fresh, high-quality meat and produce,” Winston said.
Supporters of the federal legislation have argued the law reduces government spending and reforms public assistance programs, while critics contend the changes reduce access to food assistance for vulnerable households.
Forest Park Event Highlights Impact of Federal SNAP Cuts on Illinois Families
