ROCKFORD, Ill. — On a Wednesday morning, about a dozen volunteers were busy at the Rock River Valley Pantry. They were sorting plastic bags and packing boxes filled with food like cereal, granola bars, and peanut butter. These volunteers know how critical their work is—after all, “People need to eat,” says Tabatha Endres-Cruz, the pantry’s CEO.
Starting May 1, she predicts that around 6,000 individuals in the area will lose access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This change comes as new work requirements take effect for beneficiaries. Many community members rely on this support, and without it, putting food on the table could get much harder.
Since February 1, able-bodied adults aged 18 to 64 must either work, participate in a training program, or volunteer for 80 hours each month to remain eligible for SNAP. By May 1, many will reach their limit of receiving benefits without meeting these requirements, leading to an estimated 150,000 people in Illinois losing support.
The senior manager of public policy at Northern Illinois Food Bank, Robert Desio, emphasizes the challenge ahead. He expects that about 40,000 people in their service area—which includes Winnebago, Stephenson, Ogle, Boone, and DeKalb—will need urgent assistance. “We’re preparing to order more food for our agencies. Our SNAP team is here to help neighbors through these changes,” he shared.
Desio noted that since the pandemic, food bank visits have doubled. The experience of navigating these challenges has underscored the importance of SNAP benefits. “When people lose SNAP, they turn to us for help. It really shows how crucial this program is,” he said.
The Rock River Valley Pantry has also seen a significant rise in need—demand has surged by 200% since 2020. Endres-Cruz admits that burnout is a reality in this line of work. “We hear so many tough stories, but we have to focus on what we can do—feeding hungry people,” she stated.
To combat hunger, the pantry is calling for more volunteers and donations. Monetary contributions can make a big difference; they allow the pantry to buy the exact food needed. “A dollar stretches further for us when we purchase in bulk,” Endres-Cruz explained.
In an effort to support the community, Northern Illinois Food Bank will host a pop-up distribution event on May 16 at their Rockford location. Up to 750 households can receive groceries without needing ID or prior registration, making this a first-come, first-served situation for those in need.
Food insecurity is a pressing issue, and community organizations are stepping up to face it. With more changes on the horizon, it’s vital to keep the conversation alive about how we can support those who rely on food assistance programs.
For more information on how to help, visit Rock River Valley Pantry and Northern Illinois Food Bank. It’s crucial to remember that, as Endres-Cruz puts it, “We’re all individuals, and we all deserve the right to eat.”
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