A Note from Jennie: What Happens to SNAP on November 1st?

Published on October 27, 2025
SNAP changes on November 1st

Dear community,

Just last week, I wrote to you about my growing concern for families across Illinois facing the impact of sweeping, harmful cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. Since then, new information from the USDA has made the situation even more alarming:

Beginning November 1st, 2 million Illinois residents could lose access to SNAP. Why is this happening?

  • According to the United States Department of Agriculture (responsible for funding SNAP), the federal government shutdown has resulted in a delay in FY2026 appropriations.
  • This means that there will be "insufficient funds" to fund SNAP for the month of November.
  • While the USDA has funding for SNAP in its reserves, there is no guarantee that these funds will be released.
  • Independent of the funding issue, the stricter work/eligibility requirements you read about in my last letter are also set to take place on November 1st, impacting 450,000 Illinois residents.

This not a distant policy issue. It is a crisis already unfolding.

Food is not something families can "wait out." Our neighbors who depend on SNAP to afford groceries each month will see their benefits disappear quickly and completely. For some, that will happen within days. Facing heightened food insecurity, especially during the holidays, is an unfathomable situation that will become a reality for many.

And food pantries like ours will face an immediate and overwhelming surge in demand on top of the increased numbers we are seeing already. Beyond Hunger has been preparing for the ripple effects of federal cuts, but a nationwide halt in SNAP benefits is something no local organization can absorb alone.

Hunger should never hinge on politics. Food is a human right.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

We remain steadfast in our mission to ensure every neighbor has access to nutritious food, no matter what happens at the federal level. Our Benefits Services Team continues to track every SNAP development, and share as much information as possible with our communities. We are committed to helping everyone navigate these changes.

We also encourage you to learn how you can take action and help protect SNAP in Illinois. All of our voices, including yours, matter.

As changes continue to occur, we will keep you updated and informed on the impacts to us and our communities.

With gratitude,
Jennie Hull, CEO
 
 
LEARN HOW TO TAKE ACTION
 

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?

 
Times of uncertainty remind us to double down on what we know works. Supporting local organizations like Beyond Hunger ensures we can continue our programming as uninterrupted as possible:
 
  • DONATE funds and food to make a direct impact on our community. With our purchasing power, just $1 = 3 meals.
  • VOLUNTEER your time and help us as we continue to serve 69,700 individuals every year.
  • ADVOCATE by staying up to date on policy and legislation that affects our neighbors. Resources like the Food and Research Action Center and the Greater Chicago Food Depository keep up-to-date lists of advocacy resources.