SNAP benefit cuts impact families

PEORIA (25 News Now) - With Illinois’ COVID-19 SNAP benefits will end Feb. 28, several local food banks said families will need to tighten grocery budgets.

The federal government rolled out a second monthly payment to help families pay for groceries in March 2020, but the funds will be diverted to the 2024 summer feeding program.

“Pantries that rely on the food products that we distribute are going to really feel the pinch,” said Peoria Area Food Bank manager Wayne Cannon. “There has already been an uptick in the number of people visiting the pantries. that uptick is going to become even larger.”

Despite an expected increase in demand for food, agencies like the Midwest Food Bank said they’re dedicated to helping families put food on the table.

“You can prepare as much as you can, but if you’re having to make choices between basic needs - like electricity or food - those are really hard choices to make,” said Midwest Food Bank Executive Director Audrey Kamm. “We are going to try to be as flexible as we can to be able to help those families when they have to make those difficult choices.”

The decreases for families may range from $95 up to $250 a month. The amount will depend on the household size and earned income.

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