Thursday, October 23, 2025

CHICAGO—Federal officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have informed all states that it will not fund November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits if the federal government shutdown, now in its third week, continues. 

As a result, SNAP customers will not have access to any new food benefits starting on November 1, 2025, unless the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans re-open the government.SNAP is a 100 percent federally funded benefit and the federal government withholding payments to the state would impact all 1.9 million recipients in Illinois. 

The state administers more than $350 million in SNAP benefits each month, funding that feeds families in every corner of the State. If SNAP funds are not delivered by the federal government, the State of Illinois does not have the budgetary ability to backfill these critical resources. 

Third Baptist Church of Chicago at 95th and Ashland, Pastor Rev. Dr. T.D. Hughes, hosted a  meeting Sunday October 19, 2025 to allow elected officials to address concerned citizens.

SNAP, a vital lifeline to nutrition and essential part of the state’s social safety net, serves 1.9 million individuals in Illinois each month, including 1 million households. Of those SNAP serves:

• 37% SNAP households have older adults
• 45% SNAP households have children
• 44% SNAP households have a person with a disabilityIllinois administers more than $350 million in SNAP benefits each month, funding that feeds families in every corner of the State. The average monthly SNAP benefit is approximately $370. 

Medicaid and other health benefits will be affected by new legislation. The Congressman urged citizens to pay attention to new proposed laws and to register and vote in the upcoming elections in order to protect healthcare, civil rights, education, and financial interests that are currently under attack by Republican members of Congress. 

If Congressional Republicans and the Trump administration re-open the government and pass a budget bill that includes SNAP appropriations by November 1, the State of Illinois expects there would be continuity in coverage. 

“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.” ​

Churches and other organizations with Food Pantries can provide a necessary service for food insecure families. 

“The SNAP program is one of the most successful anti-hunger initiatives in history, ensuring recipients don’t have to choose between feeding their family or affording other household needs such as medicine or utilities,” said Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “With grocers in many communities already struggling to keep their doors open, the elimination of this vital support puts entire communities at risk of losing access to fresh and healthy food. We urge the federal leaders to work collaboratively to ensure this assistance doesn’t lapse.”

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.