A man taking inventory in a warehouse, but the shelves are empty.

The Real Cost of SNAP Cuts

Like nearly every organization in the US right now, Food for Greater Elgin is facing uncertainty.

Will SNAP benefits get cut? Federal grants? What about the funds that pay farmers to supply fresh produce to local food banks?

As of May, 2025, the House adopted a budget that includes $230 billion in cuts to SNAP benefits. It’s still unclear whether this budget number will be passed, but appears clear that some cuts will indeed happen.

With no crystal ball, we simply don’t know the severity of the cuts.

Here’s what we do know: In 2023, after the last cut to SNAP benefits, our numbers soared.

In one year, we saw around a 150% increase in need, jumping from 100,000 people to over 150,000.

Now, with potential cuts looming for both SNAP and Medicaid, projections for the next fiscal year are staggering. We could have well over 225,000 folks shopping our pantry.

“We’ve never seen this combination—cuts to both SNAP and Medicaid,” says Andres Diez, CEO of our pantry. “It has devastating implications for seniors.”

If SNAP and Medicaid are indeed cut, we’ll feel it at our pantry.

Will we have enough food to support an increase in demand? Enough dairy, produce, and protein?

Seniors Are Particularly At Risk

An old man embracing his wife with a sad look on his face.

While seniors–defined here as those over 60–make up just over 10% of the pantry’s clientele, many rely on both SNAP and Medicaid to make ends meet.

Nearly 40% of our senior shoppers receive SNAP, and 40% are enrolled in Medicaid (until they qualify for Medicare at age 65).

So many people are on the edge, just barely getting by. If their budget becomes any tighter, they’ll have to shop our pantry.

Even a small reduction will have a huge impact.

“It’s not just about food,” says Diez. “It’s about affording everything else–medication, rent, insurance.”

Debunking SNAP Myths

There are persistent myths about SNAP floating around. Let’s put those to rest.

First, let’s be clear—people who receive SNAP must be legal residents for at least five years. There’s a big misunderstanding that illegal immigrants are taking benefits–that’s just not true.

Second, SNAP comes with state-mandated requirements. In Illinois, for example, most able-bodied 18 to 52-year-old SNAP users have to submit monthly documentation on their current job, or prove that they are regularly searching for one. There is also a 3 month limit for this population.

Also, a household's gross monthly income must be at or below 130% of the poverty line.

Third, you can’t buy alcohol, tobacco, or other restricted items. Period.

And fourth, the benefits themselves? They’re not enough.

The average monthly SNAP benefit is $180 for an individual and $343 for a household—far below what most families need to meet basic nutritional needs. As prices rise, the gap between what SNAP provides and what groceries actually cost is growing.

“Think how much the cost of eggs has gone up in the last year,” says Diez. “I challenge anyone to try and feed themselves balanced, nutritious meals on only $180 a month!”

That gap is where food pantries like ours step in.

A mom holding a small child in one arm and a grocery basket in another at the grocery store.

We’re Feeling the Pressure, Too.

Yellow bins sitting on a shelf while storing nutritious foods.

Food for Greater Elgin works hard to ensure the food we provide is both accessible and nutritious. Our inventory is about 30% fruits and vegetables, 12% grains, and 10% protein. Maintaining that demand will become even harder if we see an increase in demand.

“People have to spend out-of-pocket when SNAP doesn’t cover their needs. And if they can’t, they come to us,” says Diez. “We’re deeply concerned about what happens when nutritious options run out.”

There are also long-term health consequences to consider. In Kane County, 42% of our residents are obese—including children under 18. Poor nutrition is closely tied to rates of diabetes and heart disease, which collectively cost the U.S. economy hundreds of billions of dollars annually.

“Cutting SNAP could cost so much in the long run–both literally and figuratively,” says Diez.

A Catastrophic Combination

But it’s not just SNAP and Medicaid that are on the chopping block. Federal grants and funding are also at risk–but more on that next week.

“This isn’t just about our pantry,” Diez says. “It’s about a system that’s stretched too thin.”

Now, more than ever, we depend on the generosity of our community.

Would you continue to support our efforts?

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Shrinking Benefits, Growing Hunger Pangs: Part 1