SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Retail Merchants Association wants to ensure consumers know what to expect ahead of the planned suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at midnight on November 1, 2025, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The suspension of benefits by announced by U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service https://files.constantcontact.com/3fcbe18d001/0db2cea8-17fc-4cad-a266-87c0893f707e.pdf?rdr=true will impact nearly 1.9 million Illinois residents who rely on federally-funded SNAP to pay for groceries, meaning many of our state’s most vulnerable will be at risk of hunger. Here’s what consumers should know: • Effective at midnight November 1, 2025, the distribution of SNAP benefits will be suspended unless Congress strikes an agreement to end the federal government shutdown. That means SNAP recipients will NOT receive new deposits. • SNAP recipients WILL be able to use any remaining benefits they may have remaining from October. • Food assistance received through the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program WILL NOT be impacted, and recipients enrolled in that program should continue to redeem their benefits as usual. Retailers expect confusion at check-out counters and are coordinating closely with Gov. JB Pritzker’s office, the Illinois Department of Human Services and others such as the Greater Chicago Food Depository to share important information and updates. That includes working with community organizations and food pantries mobilizing to support those who will be impacted. IRMA has compiled resources for SNAP recipients and retailers, including how to locate local meal programs and food distribution centers, at https://irma.org/government-affairs/snap/. “Retailers share in the frustration and fear caused by the expected lapse in SNAP benefits. During this uncertain time, it’s imperative we look for ways to support one another,” said Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “We urge federal leaders to act swiftly to restore SNAP funding and limit the damage they are inflicting on our communities.” About the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) One of the largest state retail organizations in the United States, IRMA serves as the voice of retail and the business community in state government. Founded in 1957, IRMA represents more than 23,000 stores of all sizes and merchandise lines. From the nation’s largest retailers to independent businesses in every corner of the state, merchants count on IRMA to fight for the best possible environment in which to do business in Illinois. For more information, visit https://irma.org. | 