By: Ashmar Mandou

Nearly two million Illinois residents are in jeopardy of losing their SNAP benefits next month if the government shutdown continues.

“Nearly two million people in Illinois rely on food stamps to put groceries on the table, including children and people with disabilities. Families are being notified that their SNAP benefits will run out by the end of October if Republicans continue to hold the government hostage and extend the shutdown,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García.

Federal officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture informed state governments that it will not fund November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program, if the federal government shutdown continues. SNAP customers will not have access to any food benefits starting on November 1st, 2025 unless Congress re-opens the government. “SNAP is a proven, time-tested program, one that protects children and families from going hungry,” said Dulce M. Quintero, IDHS Secretary.

“The federal government needs to ensure families receive their benefits on November 1, so their livelihoods are not disrupted.” ​The State of Illinois administers more than $350 million in SNAP benefits each month. State officials said more than one-third of Illinois families who receive SNAP benefits (37%) include older adults. Nearly half of households (45%) have children. About 44% of households have a person with a disability.

“Working families across Illinois are about to go without food assistance because Trump and Congressional Republicans want to score political points and refuse to reach a deal that reopens the federal government. Nearly two million Illinoisans rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table, including households with children, older adults, and people with disabilities,” said Governor JB Pritzker.

In an effort to disseminate important information and quell confusion, City Colleges of Chicago partnered with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to host informational sessions on SNAP. Sessions are free and open to the public. At the sessions, attendees will learn about the new SNAP rules and who is affected, meet directly with a benefits support team to ask questions and get connected, as well as discover resources to share with friends, family, and neighbors. Sessions will take place at:

Olive-Harvey College: Bruce Cherry Theater
Thursday, Oct. 23rd
Noon to 1:30p.m.

Harold Washington College: Room 103
Saturday, Oct. 25th
10a.m., to 11:30a.m.

Truman College: Cafeteria
Wednesday, Oct. 29th
6p.m., to 7:30p.m.

Wright College: Atrium
Thursday, Nov. 6th
6p.m., to 7:30p.m.

For additional information, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) will keep customers informed on this evolving situation, including via: www.dhs.state.il.us, texting, and mailed notices.