CDEL Comments on the Developing Situation of SNAP Benefits

CDEL is aware that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that, unless the government shut down ends by November 1, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be issued in November. This is a developing situation that may change at any moment. Although Illinois is one of many states suing the administration to keep SNAP benefits flowing, it's unclear whether even a temporary restraining order will prevent an interruption in benefits at this point. Governor Pritzker has signed an executive order to send $20 million to food banks, but this is a very small amount compared to the $350 million Illinois Department of Human Services administers each month in SNAP. 

If the SNAP benefits stop tomorrow, these changes will impact thousands of households in Chicago and across the state including many of the clients CDEL serves. Some online resources for affected individuals and families include: 

• Greater Chicago Food Depository’s website. The Food Depository is setting up additional hubs to operate on Saturdays in November and pre-packaged boxes of groceries will be distributed. (Nov 1 Hub Distributions attachment). 

• Find Food IL - An interactive map to find free food programs in every part of Illinois. No prior application is needed to get help.

• Updated information from IDHS will be available at snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov (including FAQs soon!)

• Participants in the SNAP program can sign up for IDHS text alerts so they will directly receive the most current information. Clients can sign up by calling 866-324-5553 or logging on to their accounts via “Manage My Case” at abe.illinois.gov.