SNAP benefits could end November 1st; where can I get food in Rockford?

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — If the federal government shutdown continues into next month, SNAP benefits could be cut, leaving local food pantries worried about increased demand.

Local food pantries, such as Rock River Valley Pantry and St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Community Center, are preparing for the possibility of SNAP benefits being withheld, which could lead to a surge in visitors seeking assistance.

Reggie Tillmon, board president of Rock River Valley Pantry, expressed concern over the potential increase in demand, stating, “A lot of the clients that we serve do get those Snap benefits. So going forward, if, if those go away, as it looks like November 1st, we should see those numbers continue to increase.”

Tracy Dixon, program director for St. Elizabeth’s, emphasized the importance of community support, saying, “I just feel like it’s important as a community that we continue to, embrace those who have needs.”

Tracy Dixon stressed the need for donations and volunteers, as pantries brace for what comes next amid the uncertainty of SNAP benefits.

Reggie Tillmon noted that Rock River Valley Pantry has already seen more people coming in than usual, with numbers reaching as high as 8,000 individuals in a month.

Tillmon highlighted the strain on resources, mentioning that sustaining an increase in clients would be challenging, especially with the holidays approaching.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WTVO. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WTVO staff before being published.