SPRINGFIELD — When President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” passed last July, many people in the U.S., especially in Illinois, found themselves facing the loss of federal food assistance. This was a big change for many families, including immigrants and those without dependents, who suddenly lost access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
One of those affected is Tatiana, a Chicago mother of three. She’s been on SNAP for six years. “Balancing work and SNAP eligibility is tough,” she explains. If she earns too much, her benefits could be cut, but she needs to work enough to pay for other essentials like child care and housing.
Currently, Tatiana receives about $975 a month for her family. Grocery shopping has become “very stressful.” She said, “I don’t know how I would manage without SNAP. It’s already hard.”
The new work requirements from H.R. 1 began on February 1. Recipients unable to meet the criteria can only receive SNAP benefits for three months out of three years. By May, many households will face losing their benefits for the first time.
These changes particularly hit immigrants hard. Starting April 1, only certain groups can access SNAP, including lawful permanent residents and some from specific countries. This shift excludes many refugees and asylum seekers, pushing vulnerable populations further into hardship.
On April 14, a rally called “Save Our SNAP” took place at the Illinois Capitol, drawing hundreds of advocates, including Tatiana. They demanded legislative support to help those losing benefits. “It’s crucial for us to be heard,” she said. “We need these benefits to survive.”
Senator Graciela Guzmán, who attended the rally, shared her own experiences with SNAP: “I get to stand here as a senator because I had SNAP.” Her story resonated with many. She sponsors multiple bills aimed at providing assistance to families impacted by the changes.
According to recent data, nearly 1 million households in Illinois were receiving SNAP benefits in February 2026, a decline from the previous year. The coalition estimated that over 250,000 households may be affected by H.R. 1’s changes, with 150,000 still needing to submit documentation to maintain their benefits.
Kate Maehr, the executive director of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, spoke at the rally, bringing attention to the harsh realities many families face. “Too many of our neighbors are struggling to feed themselves,” she said. “We must lift our voices together.”
For those looking to meet the new requirements, resources are available, including job training and volunteer opportunities statewide. Websites like [Job Ready Illinois](https://jobreadyil.com) and [Serve.illinois.gov](https://serve.illinois.gov) offer ways to help recipients maintain their eligibility.
In response to the losses, lawmakers are pushing for new bills. One initiative, SB3277, proposes a program offering one-time payments of $600 to families losing SNAP due to the new rules. Another bill, SB3167, seeks to extend benefits for victims of trafficking and certain other crimes, while SB3276 aims to assess the overall impact of H.R. 1 in Illinois.
“Not feeding people is a choice,” Guzmán emphasized at the rally. “This is about cruelty. We must take action.” Maehr echoed this sentiment, emphasizing community support. “Together, we ensure no one in Illinois has to worry about their next meal.”
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Chicago,Donald Trump,Graciela Guzmán,Greater Chicago Food Depository,Guzman,JB Pritzker,protest,SNAP,Springfield,Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
