CHICAGO (WLS) — In a crucial move to support those dependent on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Governor JB Pritzker is poised to sign an executive order this Thursday. This action comes just days before the program’s funding is projected to be depleted.
Approximately two million Illinois residents are beneficiaries of SNAP, highlighting the program’s vital role in the state’s welfare system.
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The ongoing government shutdown has placed considerable strain on food banks, which are now facing significant challenges in meeting increased demand.
Governor Pritzker’s executive order will allocate $20 million from state funds to bolster food banks and provide much-needed relief during this critical time.
SEE ALSO: Chicago-area food pantries worry they can’t meet need after SNAP benefits end
Furthermore, Illinois is among several states that have initiated legal action to preserve SNAP benefits amidst the federal government’s closure.
Earlier this week, Governor Pritzker addressed the potential financial impact on Illinois should the state need to independently sustain SNAP funding.
“It would cost us, if we were able to try do it, it would cost about $350 million, more than that, rather, to fill in the gap per-month, $350 million from the state,” Governor Pritzker said. “That’s not something a state can possibly fill in.”
RELATED: Illinois among 25 states to sue Trump admin. to keep SNAP funds flowing amid government shutdown
Earlier this week, President Donald Trump hinted at a plan to potentially fund SNAP saying – “We’re going to get it done” – without providing any specific details on a path forward for the program during the shutdown.
If the government shutdown continues, people who rely on SNAP will lose their benefits beginning this Saturday, November 1.
A west suburban grocery store, Living Fresh Market, is among many businesses across the country worried about the possible loss of those SNAP dollars and the economic and human toll it could take on communities.
Derrick Waller of Forest Park says he’ll make due if starting on Saturday SNAP funds run out, but fears for others who rely on that federal food assistance.
“It’s kids out here hungry as well, too, that’s depending on their food, and especially on the holidays,” Waller said. “Why would you do it on the holidays?”
At Living Fresh Market in Forest Park, about one-third of the revenue comes from customers who use SNAP.
“This will impact grocery stores around the country, not just me,” Living Fresh Market Sr. Executive Melody Winston said. “I talk to some of my colleagues who own stores in Lincoln Park, and it’s the same thing. It’s about a third.”
Winston says the impact on jobs and communities could be devastating.
“I would have never thought that we would have been in this situation where we would be struggling to figure out how we’re going to get food on our table in the United States of America,” Winston said.
Ahead of this weekend, area food banks and pantries were inundated with many fearing the loss of those benefits.
“I don’t even have a word for it right now. It’s just, it’s insanity,” SNAP recipient Ardis Garrett said.
At Living Fresh Market, they’re working to organize a donation drive to stock the local food pantry and recruiting some of their vendors to help with that effort.
