November 18, 2025
Chicago Mayor redirects metropolis funds amid looming adjustments to the SNAP program.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is springing into motion following the greater than month-long halt on SNAP advantages throughout the federal government shutdown and impending adjustments to the government-run program.
On Nov. 15, Johnson signed an govt order redirecting metropolis funds to meals banks and organizations preventing meals insecurity to spice up funding for meals help packages, Block Membership Chicago stories. The swift motion follows a surge in demand following disruptions to the Supplemental Diet Help Program (SNAP) in the course of the 43-day federal authorities shutdown.
“I’m proud to signal an emergency govt order that may mobilize a citywide response that protects meals entry, helps small companies, and strengthens the longstanding neighborhood base networks that serve our residents,” Johnson stated.
Whereas SNAP advantages have been restored for the reason that shutdown formally ended on Nov. 12, the Trump administration has already introduced new adjustments and stricter eligibility guidelines set to take impact in December.
Along with rising assist for meals pantries, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations preventing meals insecurity, the manager order will even assist unbiased retailers and eating places. In response to the Mayor’s workplace, these companies are dealing with a “one-two punch” of decreased SNAP spending plus buyer losses pushed by immigration enforcement fears, and rising demand free of charge or donated items.
“We can not settle for Chicagoans going hungry on account of the Trump administration’s struggle on poor and dealing folks,” Johnson stated in a press launch. “This govt order mobilizes Metropolis departments and permits us to accomplice with philanthropic companions to get meals into the neighborhoods the place it’s wanted most.”
About two million Illinoisans depend on SNAP to assist cowl groceries and different necessities, reminiscent of child system. With the shutdown ending final week, states nationwide are dashing to renew SNAP distributions. Illinois has been issuing partial funds since Nov. 7 with out federal assist. Full federal advantages shall be paid this month, and Illinois recipients are anticipated to obtain their full November allotments by Nov. 20, in accordance with the Illinois Division of Human Providers.
New SNAP guidelines taking impact Dec. 1 underneath Trump’s One Massive Stunning Invoice will tighten eligibility and depart many with out meals help.
Adults ages 18–65 should now work at the very least 80 hours a month or be enrolled at school or job coaching to qualify—increasing earlier work necessities that utilized solely to these 18–54 with out dependents underneath 18.
Exemptions have additionally been narrowed to solely these caring for kids underneath 14, eliminating prior exceptions for unhoused people, veterans, and others. General, cuts to this system are projected to complete $186 billion.
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