IL taxpayers to pay $20M for food banks as SNAP funding lapses start Saturday

By Greg Bishop | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Illinois taxpayers are going to cover $20 million in food subsidies to food banks across the state.

With Saturday being the date the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced they will not process Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments to states because of the ongoing federal government shutdown, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the state will direct $20 million to seven food banks that supply over 2,600 food pantries across Illinois.

“I am directing the state government to work together with food banks, local grocers, and other community organizations and help provide some relief to Illinoisans as the federal government tears apart decades-long food assistance support,” Pritzker said in a statement Thursday.

Pritzker’s executive order includes releasing $10 million in state taxpayer funds from the Budget Reserve for Immediate Disbursements and Governmental Emergencies fund. The BRIDGE fund was created to fill short-term needs, Pritzker’s office said. The other $10 million in state funds will come from the Illinois Department of Human Services budget.

SNAP is funded by federal taxpayers, but is administered by the states.

The U.S. Senate has failed to pass the U.S. House-approved Continuing Resolution for the past month. Democrats have mostly refused to support the CR. With senators heading home for the weekend, U.S. House Republicans may have to rewrite the CR to push forward its original Nov. 21 funding end date.

Democrats blame Trump for the lapse in funding.

“The Trump Administration wants to let tens of millions of Americans go hungry, a failure in leadership and abdication of our responsibility as Americans to take care of each other,” Pritzker said.

President Donald Trump told reporters on Air Force One Wednesday that food subsidies will be taken care of.

“We’re going to get it done,” Trump said. “The Democrats have caused the problem on food stamps because all they have to do is sign and you know if they sign, I’ll meet with them.”

Thérèse Boudreaux contributed to this report.