Champaign County advocates voice concerns about SNAP cuts
Share this @internewscast.com

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Advocates for food security in Champaign County are worried about the effects of recent reductions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Starting Monday, the program saw approximately $300 billion in cuts after the “Big, Beautiful Bill” was enacted in July.

Adani Sanchez from Champaign County Health Care Consumers mentioned that the possibility exists for states to compensate for the funding shortfall; currently, the program operates with funds from the previous year.

“The funds on the [LINK] cards come from federal government sources,” explained Sanchez. “Now, states must consider, ‘Do we want to attempt to fill this financial gap?’”

Cuts to SNAP started Monday, and it may take time to trickle down to those affected by food insecurity in Central Illinois.

Sophie Ellis from the Eastern Illinois Foodbank noted, “The proposed SNAP reductions will put further pressure on already limited resources in our community. This will challenge the budgets of local families.”

Ellis highlighted that the onset of cuts aligns with Hunger Action Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about the ongoing issue of hunger affecting many locals.

“Our food pantries are currently serving double the number of people compared to 2022,” said Ellis. “The increasing need, alongside rising food costs, means local families are relying more on our assistance.”

Sanchez said the money will have to come from somewhere to keep SNAP benefits where they are right now — whether that be cutting jobs, or moving money from other departments, is yet to be seen.

“For some organizations, there’s not an easy way to redirect money that’s already been dedicated,” Sanchez said. “Or it’s like or sometimes it’s also tied to federal funds where it’s like, if you use this for anything else, you’re out.”

Republican lawmakers said the cuts are necessary to ease government spending, and end fraud and abuse in the system.

But last week, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) introduced a bill to nullify cuts to SNAP.

He said more than 500,000 Illinoisans are at risk of losing benefits.

“Snap has literally saved people’s lives,” Sanchez said, “And made our communities better, safer, stronger.”

Ellis said they are confident the community will continue to donate so others have a reliable source of food. Their annual “Operation Orange” is  Sept. 18, when volunteers will be re-packing food to be handed out.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Illinois State Police Reveal Outcomes of Nighttime Patrol Enforcement

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Almost 30 individuals were cited or arrested in…

Rubio to Focus on Tariffs, Immigration, and Cartels During Mexico and Ecuador Visit This Week

MEXICO CITY – Key topics such as security, sovereignty, tariffs, trade, drugs,…

Gen Z Cuts Back on Holiday Spending Before Shopping Season

’Tis the season for tighter budgets. This year, holiday spending in the…

Man Faces Murder Charges After Fatal Shooting Incident with Friend

A man is facing a murder charge over his friend’s death after…

Judge Rules Trump’s Deployment of National Guard in LA Immigration Protests Unlawful

All images and text are credited to the respective individuals and organizations…

Federal Court Prevents Trump from Deporting Alleged Venezuelan Gang Members Using Wartime Enemies Law

A federal appeals court has halted the Trump administration’s efforts to expel…

Richmond Hill Decides to Lower Property Tax Rate

RICHMOND HILL, Ga. () – The Richmond Hill City Council took the…

Champaign County High School Tackles Persistent Mold Issue

SAINT JOSEPH, Ill. (WCIA) — St. Joseph-Ogden High School is tackling more…

CBP reports seizure of counterfeit Labubu dolls valued at more than $500,000 at Seattle airport

A shipment of counterfeit Labubu dolls, which would be valued at over…

Rudy Giuliani Released from Hospital Following Car Accident, Son Reports

(The Hill) Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was discharged from…

Russian Leader Putin Holds Talks with North Korea’s Kim in Beijing

BEIJING – Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong…

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Advocates for Prayer Time in Schools

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is advocating for schools in Texas “to…