SPRINGFIELD — Amid uncertainty surrounding a major food assistance program throughout the U.S., Gov JB Pritzker has signed an executive order that directs $20 million towards food banks in Illinois.
Federal officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture informed all states that it will not fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits starting Nov. 1, unless the federal government opens. In response, Pritzker on Oct. 30 signed the order that directs money to food banks across Illinois, which in turn supply food pantries in the state.
Nearly two million Illinois residents use SNAP benefits.
If benefits are delayed or paused, it would be the first time in the program’s 60-year history.
What is SNAP?
SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford nutritious food essential to health and well-being.
SNAP is 100% federally funded. Illinois receives more than $350 million for the program monthly.
How is the order being funded?
$10 million comes from the Budget Reserve for Immediate Disbursements and Governmental Emergencies Fund and $10 million comes from the Illinois Department of Human Services.
A $100 million BRIDGE reserve fund was created to fill short-term needs as the Trump administration “continues to deny states and people critical resources they are owed,” according to a news release from Pritzker’s office.
What else the executive order does
In addition to funding food pantries, Pritzker’s order will do the following:
Tom Ackerman covers breaking news and trending news along with general news for the Springfield State Journal-Register. He can be reached at tackerman@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Pritzker directs $20M to Illinois food banks amid SNAP uncertainty
Reporting by Tom Ackerman, Springfield State Journal-Register / State Journal-Register
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