Preston Warns of SNAP Funding Halt as Shutdown Threatens Food Assistance for Thousands (Springfield, IL) – With federal food assistance funding set to stop on Nov. 1, State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago) is urging action to protect thousands of families who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
“Starting Saturday, 1.9 million Illinoisans will wake up without the food assistance they rely on to put groceries on their tables,” Preston said during a press conference at the Capitol. “I want you to think about who these people are. They’re not statistics. They’re our neighbors. Our friends. Our family members.”
SNAP provides vital support for children, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities, helping them access nutritious food and avoid hunger. The ongoing federal government shutdown has disrupted funding for the program, putting millions nationwide at risk — including roughly 50,329 people in Preston’s 16th Senate District, which spans parts of Chicago’s South Side and surrounding communities.
Preston said the sudden loss of benefits could have devastating effects, warning that local food pantries will face overwhelming demand.
“I want the folks of the Sweet Sixteenth to know that this situation will take all of us to overcome,” Preston said. “If you’re able to help, please consider donating to your local food pantry. Our food pantries do incredible work, but they provide just one meal for every nine meals that SNAP provides. They’re going to be overwhelmed.”
Preston also credited Governor J.B. Pritzker for acting quickly to support struggling families. Earlier this week, Pritzker announced a $20 million investment in Illinois’ food banks to help fill the gap created by the loss of federal funds.
“I want to thank the governor for ensuring our state is doing everything possible to ease the pain this loss has brought to families across Illinois,” Preston said. “The $20 million investment in our food banks is a welcome and much-needed infusion that will help keep food on the table a bit longer for those who need it most.”
Preston said he is coordinating with state agencies and local organizations to prepare for the shutdown’s potential fallout and ensure vulnerable residents continue to have access to emergency food assistance.
Preston Warns of SNAP Funding Halt as Shutdown Threatens Food Assistance for Thousands
