SPRINGFIELD – With SNAP funding coming to a screeching halt on Nov. 1st, State Senator Willie Preston brought colleagues together for a press conference to sound the alarm about the impact of the loss on 16th District families.

“Starting Saturday, 1.9 million Illinoisans will wake up without the food assistance they rely on to put groceries on their tables,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “I want you to think about who these people are. They're not statistics. They're our neighbors. Our friends. Our family members.”

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 50,329 people in Preston’s 16th District.

“I want the folks of the Sweet Sixteenth to know that that this situation will take all of us to overcome,” said Preston. “If you're able to help, please consider donating to your local food pantry. Our food pantries do incredible work, but they provide just one meal for every nine meals that SNAP provides. They're going to be overwhelmed.”

Preston also praised the work of Governor Pritzker in dedicating state resources during this time of need.

“I want to thank the governor for ensuring our state is doing everything possible to ease the pain this loss has brought to families across Illinois,” said Preston. “The $20 million investment in our food banks is a welcome and much-needed infusion that will help keep food on the table a bit longer for those who need it most.”

Preston is coordinating with state officials and community organizations to prepare for potential disruptions and to ensure vulnerable populations have access to emergency food assistance.