ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (May 12, 2026) — With the passage of HR 1 late last year, local communities are bracing for the impact new work requirements will have on food security for hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans.
As part of the Save Our SNAP (SOS) Coalition, United Way Quad Cities, and River Bend Food Bank are urging the Illinois General Assembly to support gap benefits for Illinois residents who need it the most.
SB3277 and HB4730 would create an emergency assistance fund to provide a one-time payment to the nearly 250,000 Illinoisans at risk of losing benefits. An estimated 120,000 Illinois residents lost their SNAP benefits on May 1.
“For every meal River Bend Food Bank serves, SNAP provides nine additional meals,” said Jenny Colvin, Vice President for River Bend Food Bank.
“We know that the administrative burdens put in place by HR 1 will lead to the loss of benefits for individuals who are eligible or exempt. Illinois legislators have a chance to prioritize food security for these individuals during the coming budget debates in Springfield.”
HR 1 requires individuals to fulfill at least eighty hours per month of work, volunteering, or job training to remain eligible for SNAP benefits unless they qualify for exemptions like having a dependent under the age of fourteen, are medically unable to work, and more.
“We are lucky to have the support of local legislators Representative Gregg Johnson and Senator Mike Halpin in the fight for food security” said Ryan Sempf, Chief Impact Officer at United Way Quad Cities.
“We see food as a basic need, and without it we cannot hope to reach the Community’s Rise United 2030 goals of improved third-grade reading, living wage attainment, or regular health-care access. With budget projections outpacing previous estimates, now is the time for the general assembly to take a stand and protect Illinoisans who are in the greatest need.”
Beyond helping families make ends meet during periods of instability, SNAP dollars help grow our local economy. Data from the USDA shows that every $1 in benefits drives roughly $1.50 to $1.80 in economic activity. In the Quad Cities, that means every purchase made with SNAP, whether at a neighborhood grocery store or a local farmers market, helps sustain small businesses, support jobs and keep money here in our community.
About United Way Quad Cities
United Way Quad Cities is a social change organization that mobilizes the Quad Cities to action so all can thrive.
From strengthening local resilience to advancing education, financial security, and health, United Way Quad Cities is working toward a future where every Quad Citian in every neighborhood can reach their full potential.
About River Bend Food Bank
River Bend Food Bank leads the community-wide effort to end hunger in eastern Iowa and western Illinois, by:
- Leveraging partnerships to help people in need stabilize their lives;
- Educating and engaging the public in hunger issues;
- Advocating on behalf of people facing hunger;
- Distributing surplus food through a network of hunger-relief agency partners and programs; and
- Striving to end hunger.
About the Save our SNAP Coalition
We are a statewide coalition of organizations united to protect and strengthen the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Illinois. Our collective action can help mitigate harm and build a brighter future where all Illinois neighbors have the food they need to thrive.
