On Friday, Kane County Board Chairman Corinne Pierog teamed up with the Northern Illinois Food Bank for an important roundtable discussion. The focus? The recent cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and how they affect local families, seniors, and veterans.
This meeting brought together various leaders, including Congressman Bill Foster and Congresswoman Lauren Underwood. They were joined by local officials and representatives from food pantries. Everyone shared their insights on the growing issue of food insecurity in Kane County.
Chairman Pierog opened the discussion, stressing that food access is crucial for both fairness and economic health in the community. Over 60,000 residents in Kane County rely on SNAP benefits. Interestingly, for every dollar spent on SNAP, local economies see up to $1.50 in activity, helping grocery stores and small businesses thrive.
Recent data from Illinois shows that in fiscal year 2025, the state distributed $4.7 billion in SNAP benefits. This helped over 1.8 million people across 1 million households. Among them are nearly 45,000 veterans and over 330,000 households with children.
A report from the Kane County Health Department pinpointed food access as a major issue. It revealed that one in seven residents struggles to find fresh fruits and vegetables, often citing cost as the biggest barrier. Julie Yurko, President of the Northern Illinois Food Bank, highlighted the vital role of SNAP in keeping families fed. She noted that demand for food aid surged recently, with visits to food pantries increasing from 63,000 to 80,000 in just a month.
During tougher times, especially around the holidays, the need for food assistance rises significantly. Food pantries are rallying for community support to keep their shelves stocked. Eileen Pasero, Executive Director of the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry, mentioned they’re serving twice as many families now. Community members have been stepping up, organizing food drives and volunteering.
Participants shared personal stories that highlighted the connection between SNAP funding cuts and real-life consequences. One resident, Tina, has relied on SNAP benefits for two years while juggling multiple jobs. “Every month, I get around $294 in assistance,” she shared. “Without it, we couldn’t afford groceries.”
Educators also voiced their concerns. Katie Algrim, Assistant Regional Superintendent, remarked that if students worry about where their next meal comes from, it distracts them from their studies.
There’s also been talk about new SNAP policy changes. A recent Budget Reconciliation Bill has introduced funding cuts and expanded work requirements to include more adults. This means some previously exempt groups, like caregivers and veterans, will now have to meet new criteria to receive benefits.
Snap is fully funded by the federal government, supporting nearly 1.9 million recipients in Illinois, with the state distributing around $350 million monthly. The roundtable ended with a commitment from all participants to work together, emphasizing that no one in Kane County should face hunger because of policy decisions made elsewhere.
For those wanting to learn more about food insecurity or locate a food pantry, more resources are available at Solve Hunger Today.
