In Republicans’ latest cruel effort to bludgeon us into submission, SNAP benefits are now ended for the duration of the MAGA-led government shutdown. We urge you and our elected Democrats not to knuckle under to this vicious MAGA extortion. Remember that Republicans can end the government shutdown at any time – they just don’t want to.

In response, Illinois has joined 24 other states’ attorneys general and governors in a suit against the USDA, which is refusing to release the contingency funds designed to shore up the SNAP program during emergencies like the current shutdown. The state of Illinois is also moving fast to help local food banks with $20 million in emergency funding. Right now and for the foreseeable future our job is to take care of our families and each other. If your family is losing SNAP benefits, don’t hesitate to get help at your local food pantry.

If you don’t usually receive these benefits and you’re in a position to help out, please do! Your donations are not only welcome, they are now desperately needed. Contact a food pantry in your area to learn how you can help. Here’s some information to get you started:

Bureau County Food Pantry
(815) 875-6064

Hall Township Food Pantry
(815) 663-2085

Western Bureau County Food Pantry
(309) 238-3229

Wyanet United Methodist Food Pantry
(815) 699-2647

Walnut Community Food Pantry
(815) 379-2494

Illinois Valley Food Pantry
(815)224-3658

Community Food Basket
info@ottawafoodbasket.org
(815) 431-0155

Servant’s Heart Fellowship
(815) 220-0914

Putnam County Food Pantry
(815) 866-6484