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ELGIN — State Senator Cristina Castro is urging federal lawmakers to find a resolution to the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Nov. 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide basic nutrition for themselves and their families.

“Residents from all walks of life will be affected with cuts to a vital lifeline such as SNAP,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “In times like these, our community must band together to ensure our kids don’t go to bed hungry.”

SNAP provides critical support for children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities, offering the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. The federal government shutdown threatens to halt these benefits immediately, putting millions at risk of food insecurity – including the 27,313 people in the district Castro represents who rely on SNAP benefits.

Castro stresses that a long-term solution requires immediate federal intervention.

"We cannot reduce our families to numbers on a chart," said Castro. "The federal government has a moral duty to act swiftly and decisively to protect the most vulnerable among us."

Castro is coordinating with state officials and community organizations to prepare for potential disruptions and to ensure vulnerable populations have access to emergency food assistance.

Local residents in need of food assistance can access help at food pantries in the 22nd District, including:

For more information and help accessing food assistance, residents can call Castro’s office at 847-214-8864.