“This is more than a temporary patch,” Ford says. “For the thousands of families in the 7th Congressional District, this is about dignity, stability, and fairness. In Washington, I will fight to fully fund SNAP, protect Medicaid, and make sure our communities are not left behind while budgets are written.”
With nearly 2 million Illinois residents facing the potential loss of federal food-aid benefits this November, the state has taken urgent action. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed an executive order to direct $20 million toward food banks and emergency relief, signaling a short-term fix. But for the residents of the 7th Congressional District, the deeper question remains: who will fight for them in Washington to ensure long-term protections?
When the federal government shutdown halted new funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other essential supports, Illinois acted. The executive order mobilizes the Illinois Department of Human Services and food-pantry networks, splitting funding $10 million from the Budget Reserve for Emergencies and $10 million from DHS. Chicago Sun-Times
Still, while the state steps in, it cannot fully replace the roughly $350 million in monthly federal SNAP benefits that feed Illinois families — especially those on the West Side, and South Side of Chicago, and the broader 7th Congressional District. WBEZ
Candidate’s Position
State Representative La Shawn K. Ford — running for Congress in the 7th Congressional District — applauds the state’s quick response but warns that “band-aids don’t win long fights.”
“This is more than a temporary patch,” Ford says. “For the thousands of families in the 7th Congressional District, this is about dignity, stability, and fairness. In Washington I will fight to fully fund SNAP, protect Medicaid, and make sure our communities are not left behind while budgets are written.”
His plan includes pressing Congress to pass targeted legislation that safeguards food access during shutdowns, expands eligibility for nutrition programs, and ensures Illinois isn’t left to fill federal funding gaps alone
Local Impact
In communities across the 7th Congressional District — from Austin to Oak Park, from the South Side to the West Side — SNAP is more than a benefit; it’s a lifeline that helps families put food on the table, keeps children healthy, and sustains the dignity of everyday life. Many households live paycheck-to-paycheck, and even a short delay in benefits can mean the difference between a full grocery cart and empty shelves. Ford emphasizes that for his district, national fights aren’t abstract: they are personal.
“When I taught social studies, I always told my students that human dignity is non-negotiable,” he adds. “Now, we are facing threats to programs that give our families the chance to thrive. I intend to be the voice for those who rarely get heard.”
Take Action!
The state’s $20 million initiative offers critical relief — but the campaign is clear: this moment demands more. La Shawn K. Ford’s message to the voters of the 7th Congressional District is simple:
“Our community has earned better. In Congress, I’ll stand with you to defend what we’ve built — the progress achieved through the tireless leadership of Congressman Danny K. Davis and generations of Democrats who fought for fairness, opportunity, and dignity. I will continue that work — protecting programs like Medicaid and SNAP, investing in our children’s education, and advancing the promise of equity for every neighborhood in the 7th Congressional District.”
Now is the moment to stand together.
This campaign isn’t just about one election — it’s about protecting everything we’ve fought to build.
💛 Join our movement. Volunteer your time. Donate today.
Together, we can move our district — and our country — forward.
