For Immediate Release:
June 1, 2026

Contact:
Jaclyn Driscoll
jaclyn@sgstrategies.com | (217) 371-7373

**Media Interviews Available Upon Request**

Save Our SNAP Coalition Reacts to Illinois FY27 Budget Investments to Respond to Federal SNAP Cuts

CHICAGO – Following the passage of the FY27 state budget, the Save Our SNAP Coalition, a statewide alliance of more than 90 organizations representing communities across Illinois, issued the following statement: 

“At a time when thousands of Illinoisans are losing food assistance because of harmful federal policy changes, this budget proves that Illinois is committed to protecting many individuals and families facing food insecurity across our state. 

“We are grateful for the creation of the Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger (FRESH) program, which will provide $400 in one-time emergency assistance to up to 175,000 Illinoisans who have lost SNAP benefits due to expanded federal work requirements. This $70M temporary bridge program will provide essential relief as households contend with the loss of critical food assistance, and work to fulfill the employment, volunteer, or education requirements needed to keep or regain their benefits. FRESH will also help local grocers and the emergency food system, as both sectors feel negative impacts from the largest drop in SNAP participation in state history.

“We are proud to have championed this investment to provide critical relief for people navigating impossible choices. This budget shows what’s possible when we choose to respond to hunger with urgency and compassion. 

“We are grateful that this budget provides temporary relief to many people affected by federal cuts and preserves funding for the existing VTTC (Victims of Torture, Trafficking, and Other Serious Crimes) Food program, rejecting a proposed $15M cut. But lawmakers missed the chance to extend that support to the 16,000 lawfully present immigrants who recently lost SNAP, and we will continue advocating for that expansion in future sessions.

“We thank the Governor, members of the General Assembly, the Illinois Department of Human Services, and the many advocates and community partners across Illinois who helped secure FRESH for Illinois. This budget is an important step forward, but we know our work is far from over. 

For the first time in the SNAP program’s 60-year history, the federal government is shifting costs to states, forcing Illinois to shoulder up to $800 million a year as soon as October 2027 to continue offering SNAP.  In future years, Illinois must find a way to meet this massive new financial obligation and preserve SNAP for the 1 million households that rely on it, and fill the remaining gaps in SNAP access left by federal cuts. In the face of future challenges, our Coalition will continue to partner with leaders in state government to build on the progress made this session and ensure every Illinoisan can access the food and support they need.” 

Learn more about recent SNAP changes and our advocacy at: https://saveoursnap.org/ 

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The Save Our Snap Coalition is a statewide alliance of organizations united to protect and strengthen the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Illinois. ​The unprecedented attacks to SNAP by the federal government will lead to catastrophic levels of hunger in our communities. ​Our collective action can help mitigate harm and build a brighter future where all Illinois neighbors have the food they need to thrive.