ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — About 5,000 people in the Rockford area are set to lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits this Friday as expanded federal work requirements take effect, prompting Illinois lawmakers to consider a temporary state program to prevent sudden food insecurity.
House Bill 4730 would require the Illinois Department of Human Services to create the Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger (FRESH) Program, offering one-time financial assistance to households that lose SNAP benefits solely because they failed to meet new federal work rules.
“Our local food pantries are about to be stretched beyond capacity. We need your help – now. If you can, please consider donating to a local food pantry today,” Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said in a statement…