Nearly 2 million Illinois residents face losing access to food stamps next month if the federal government shutdown continues, threatening “a vital lifeline to nutrition,” the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced this week.

According to an IDHS news release on Thursday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has informed states that it will not fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, starting November 1 unless the government shutdown ends.

### What a Federal Government Shutdown Means for Illinois

SNAP provides low-income individuals with prepaid cards to purchase groceries. While benefits have continued through October, Illinois stands to lose $350 million in federal funding that supports 1.9 million SNAP recipients across the state.

The state “does not have the budgetary ability to backfill these critical resources,” the IDHS said.

“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.”

### Political Reactions

Governor J.B. Pritzker criticized President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans, accusing them of jeopardizing food assistance programs for working families. He claimed they are “want[ing] to score political points and refuse to reach a deal that reopens the federal government.”

“Why is it that they can find the money during a shutdown to pay their masked federal agents wreaking havoc in our communities but not help people in need put food on the table?” Pritzker questioned in a statement.

“Trump promised to lower costs but that’s not happening. The very least they could do is preserve SNAP access for low-income families struggling to feed their kids,” he added.

“One child going hungry in America is one too many; this used to be a value we could all agree upon,” Pritzker emphasized. “The Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans need to do their damn job and start delivering for the American people.”

### Impact on Hunger and the Community

The Greater Chicago Food Depository expressed deep concern earlier this month that a prolonged shutdown could significantly increase hunger and hardship for millions across the U.S.

The organization warned that the longer the shutdown continues, the greater the risk to those relying on public food assistance. They continue to urge elected leaders to reopen the government and fund critical safety net programs that address poverty and hunger.

Food pantries across Chicago have reported “extraordinary demand” in recent years as rising food prices strain families’ budgets.

### SNAP Demographics in Illinois

According to IDHS, approximately 45% of SNAP benefits in Illinois go to households with children, while 44% are received by households with a person with a disability. The average monthly SNAP benefit is $370.

Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, highlighted that disruptions in SNAP benefits could also negatively affect grocers “already struggling to keep their doors open.”

He warned, “The elimination of this vital support puts entire communities at risk of losing access to fresh and healthy food.”

### Broader Effects of the Shutdown in Illinois

The ongoing government shutdown, which began on October 1 and centers primarily on debates about health care spending, shows no sign of ending soon.

Many federal workers in Illinois have been furloughed, and operations at Chicago’s federal courts have been disrupted, among other impacts.

As the shutdown persists, millions of Illinoisans and Americans nationwide remain at risk of losing critical support that helps put food on their tables.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/18/nearly-2-million-illinois-residents-will-lose-snap-benefits-next-month-if-federal-shutdown-continues-officials-warn/