CHICAGO – Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, to provide basic nutrition for themselves and their families, leading State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes to urge federal lawmakers to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of SNAP benefits come Nov. 1.

“I am deeply concerned for how the loss of SNAP benefits will impact families and children in my community,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “It is appalling that millions are at risk of going hungry due to partisan disagreements on the federal level.”

SNAP provides critical support for children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities, offering the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. The federal government shutdown threatens to halt these benefits immediately, putting millions at risk of food insecurity – including the 38,912 people in the district Cervantes represents who rely on SNAP benefits.

“Growing up in a low-income community, SNAP benefits were necessary to put food on the table,” said Cervantes. “This was before the issues our economy is currently facing, and inflated prices of grocery items that make everyday shopping a struggle for working families. We cannot leave our community members at risk of going hungry.”

Cervantes is coordinating with state officials and community organizations to prepare for potential disruptions and to ensure vulnerable populations have access to emergency food assistance. If you anticipate losing access to SNAP, please visit the Resources page on the Senator’s website to connect to local food pantries or donate to the Greater Chicago Food Depository if you are able to.