"Being in Washington and having face-to-face conversations with the lawmakers about hunger and food access was powerful," said Alexandra Barajas, 30, during a recent Lobby Day at the nation’s capital with the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Barajas, a Food Equity Ambassador with the Food Depository and a PhD student studying chemistry at Northwestern University, joined fellow ambassadors and Food Depository policy team members in Washington, D.C., this April to attend the National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference and to engage directly with policymakers about issues impacting our neighbors.
Keila Gonzales and Xandra Barajas on their way to lobby for SNAP.
The most pressing issue they and many other advocates in Washington were eager to discuss with legislators was the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is facing catastrophic cuts in Congress over the coming days and weeks.
A critical time for SNAP advocacy
SNAP is the nation’s largest and most effective anti-hunger program, helping more than 41 million low-income individuals and families buy groceries and make ends meet each month. In Illinois alone, over 1.8 million people rely on SNAP, including children, seniors, people with disabilities and low-wage workers. For every meal provided by a food bank across the country, SNAP provides nine.
SNAP is not only essential for reducing hunger – it’s also a powerful economic engine. Every dollar in SNAP benefits generates about $1.50 in economic activity, and in rural areas, where food assistance programs are often a lifeline, the impact is even greater, especially during times of economic downturn.
Food Depository staff and Food Equity Ambassadors gather at the SNAP Matters rally ahead of Lobby Day.
Recently, House leadership proposed significant cuts to SNAP as part of a broader legislative package. The proposed cuts amount to more than $290 billion over the next decade, representing nearly a 30 percent reduction in the program's funding. The plan includes stricter work requirements and shifts some costs to states, potentially jeopardizing food assistance for millions of Americans.
If enacted, these cuts would create unnecessary barriers to food access and increase hunger across the country, especially in under-resourced communities like many across Cook County.
The impact of SNAP on communities
“SNAP is so important to our communities,” said Helen Whigham, a volunteer at the Sankofa Food Market on Chicago’s South Side, and a member of the group who traveled to Washington.
“We already serve clients food three days a week. If SNAP were to be cut, even more people would need food from our pantry. It’s already a challenge to keep up with demand.”
Helen Whigham, Skyler Larrimore, and Keila Gonzales meet with a representative from the office of Delia Ramirez (D-IL).
Whigham is part of this year’s cohort of Community Council for Food Equity, a group of passionate anti-hunger community leaders affiliated with a Food Depository pantry or program. At monthly meetings throughout the year, the ambassadors receive message training, learn how key legislation impacts their work and community, and receive tips on how to connect with elected officials.
"People come into the pantry and thank us constantly. They say they don’t know what they would do without us. These people could not handle having their benefits cut.”
The Food Depository takes the Hill
The National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference was packed with learning and collaboration. In between sessions ranging from equity in food access to the upcoming Farm Bill, the Food Depository group met advocates and allies from across the country, exchanging ideas, challenges and successes. Manager of Advocacy Molly Dubow and Manager of Policy Implementation Ruby Larson each spoke on panels.
Ruby Larson speaks on a panel at the Anti-hunger Policy Conference.
The conference culminated in a Lobby Day on Capitol Hill, where our team met with several members of Congress and their staff to advocate for the protection and strengthening of SNAP.
“It felt great to get to speak to the legislators about my experience,” said Keila Gonzalez, a 20-year-old student at Malcolm X College, who helped launch the pantry at New Hope Bible Church in Hermosa two years ago and continues to volunteer there today.
“I was so excited to do this, because I wanted to share with them my experience and the experiences of the people in my community who I serve every week.”
Keila Gonzales gears up for a meeting with her representative, Delia Ramirez (D-IL).
Gonzales is aware of how essential SNAP is in helping people get back on their feet. “When I was talking to my mom about the advocacy work I was doing, she told me that she had actually used SNAP when she was pregnant with my brother. She was only 18 years old at the time. SNAP helped her when she needed it the most.”
A powerful moment in a larger movement
For the ambassadors, Food Depository staff, and all advocates lobbying to end hunger, the experience was a reminder of their agency and power as advocates. “Doing this work is so important,” said Barajas.
“When you watch the news and see everything going on, it’s very overwhelming and you feel helpless. Coming out here and advocating for people to eat, talking to legislators, you’re actually making a difference, and that makes you feel not so helpless.”
The Food Depository team meets with Congressman Chuy Garcia (D-IL) after a committee hearing.
As Congress considers devastating cuts to SNAP, the stakes could not be higher. Millions of people depend on this vital program to access the food they need to survive and thrive. The Food Depository and our partners will continue to fight for policies that protect and strengthen federal nutrition programs.
Join us in raising your voice to protect SNAP funding. Visit chicagosfoodbank.org/advocate for easy steps to contact your legislators. Together, we can build a stronger, hunger-free future for all.
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