Springfield, IL— According to new reporting, Republican SNAP cuts could leave children hungry during the school day. When families lose SNAP benefits—which more than 300,000 are expected to—students and entire schools could lose eligibility for free meals. Currently, more than 1 million Illinois students qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
In response, Democratic Party of Illinois spokeswoman Gwen Pepin said the following:
“As the start of a new school year approaches and policies from the Big Ugly Budget continue to take effect, it remains clear that congressional Republicans’ blind loyalty to Trump will allow them to sacrifice the wellbeing of our kids. Voters will remember that the ILGOP supports SNAP cuts, supports Trump, and stands behind taking food from children.”
Key excerpts from WNIJ News: New report highlights how SNAP cuts could affect access to free school meals in Illinois
By Peter Medlin
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“‘Students who are enrolled in SNAP and Medicaid can be directly certified for free school meals,’ said the report’s co-author, Paige Shoemaker Demio.’”
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“The report also estimates how much it would cost an Illinois family with two children to pay for school lunches. With a median lunch price of $3.25, the annual cost would total about $1,170.”
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“She said more than 1 million Illinois students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, and researchers expect SNAP reductions to lower participation in free school meal programs during the upcoming school year.”
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“Last year’s One Big Bill Beautiful Bill Act also eliminated the SNAP-ED program, which provided nutrition education to more than 1 million students nationwide.”
