Veronica Cox never thought this would be her reality: 37 years old, a single mother of three, struggling to find work and relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to feed her family.
With a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a decade of working in security, Cox had a clear vision for her future. But when debilitating hip pain began disrupting her daily life, forcing her to stop working, everything changed.
“It bothers me not being able to support my family. SNAP plays a huge role in me being able to feed my children,” she said, adding that she also relies on the food she gets from Chosen Tabernacle food pantry in Englewood, a Food Depository partner.
A woman selects fresh produce at West 40 Heart 2 Heart pantry.
A program that keeps families fed
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is the country’s largest anti-hunger program. Those who qualify receive funds on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card they can use to purchase groceries. In Illinois alone, the program supports more than 1.8 million people – most of them children, seniors or people living with disabilities. For families like Cox’s, SNAP is often the difference between meals on the table and going without.
Multiple studies have shown the positive impact of SNAP participation. When people have consistent access to food, they’re better able to care for themselves, stay healthy and support their families. SNAP helps neighbors stay afloat. Without it, they’re forced to make difficult trade-off decisions – between rent or groceries, medicine or meals.
A pantry guest at St. Gall pantry in Pilsen picks out fresh fruit to take home.
Despite this proven success, SNAP is under threat. Proposed changes to the program in Congress’s reconciliation bill would make it harder for people to qualify for benefits and may reduce how much support families receive. These proposals include stricter work requirements, changes to eligibility rules, and a shift in program costs to the states, all of which would push families already on the brink closer to crisis.'
“Honestly, I don’t know what I’d do,” Cox said of potential cuts in SNAP benefits. “(A reduction) would be a true struggle. It would cause damage."
The impact of reduced food assistance
James Gant, 64, is a veteran who lives just a block from the food pantry at First Presbyterian Kimbark in Hyde Park. Gant is raising his grandchild and trying to do so on less support than he had just months ago.
A volunteer helps veteran and SNAP recipient James Gant pick out groceries.
“My SNAP was cut from $300 a month to $150,” he said during a recent visit to the pantry.
“It makes you struggle on getting food because food is so expensive now. (SNAP) really doesn’t last. That’s why I’m here.”
Like Cox, Gant lives with a disability and can’t do physical work. “If SNAP gets cut, it’s going to be messed up for a lot of people,” he said. “Especially people that can’t get around and work. I have a disability – and I’m a veteran. No veteran should have to rely on a food pantry just to be able to eat.”
Balancing fixed incomes and rising food costs
For 88-year-old Carol Leber, SNAP is the only thing standing between her and hunger. Leber is both a guest and a volunteer at the Elk Grove Township food pantry in Elk Grove Village. After paying $650 a month for her mortgage, she’s left with roughly $650 for food, medication, transportation and utilities.
“If not for SNAP benefits, I’d be even skinnier than I’ve gotten,” she said. “I found myself not eating the right things. Fresh fruits and vegetables got expensive.”
Jacqueline Lupescu is excited to receive supplemental groceries at Together We Cope food pantry in Tinley Park.
Despite working her entire adult life, rising costs and a fixed income have made retirement a challenge for Leber. Her daughter, who lives in Arizona, is also on SNAP and disability after a serious accident. She and her adult son, who has learning disabilities, plan to move in with Leber so the three of them can share expenses and stretch what little they have.
“SNAP puts food on the table,” Leber said. “If it were reduced, I’m not sure what I’d do. I’d have to depend on the pantry, but I can’t imagine that what I get here could last me a month.”
A necessary investment
The Food Depository believes no one in our community should have to wonder where their next meal will come from. That’s why our policy and advocacy team is working to defend and strengthen SNAP and other vital nutrition programs that help families, older adults and people with disabilities meet their basic needs.
Paul Newman gets ready to take home his groceries from Together We Cope pantry.
Congress is reviewing and editing the reconciliation bill, including the sections that threaten to reduce or restrict access to this critical program. Cutting SNAP would increase food insecurity, harm our local economies and leave our neighbors without the support they need to get back on their feet.
As decisions are made in Washington, we must raise our voices to protect and strengthen SNAP. Visit chicagosfoodbank.org/advocate to easily contact your elected officials in support of SNAP and to help ensure every family has access to the food they need to thrive.
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