“At a time when inflation is squeezing every dollar, the federal government should be expanding access to food assistance — not clawing it back.”
As millions of American families struggle to afford groceries, housing, and healthcare, the Trump administration has ordered states to “immediately undo” efforts to provide full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits — threatening penalties for those who continue feeding low-income residents.
La Shawn K. Ford, Democratic candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 7th District, called the directive “morally bankrupt,” warning that it would deepen food insecurity and punish the very people most affected by rising costs.
“The Trump administration’s decision to penalize states for doing the right thing — feeding hungry families — is cruel, morally bankrupt, and reprehensible,” Ford said.
“At a time when inflation is squeezing every dollar, the federal government should be expanding access to food assistance — not clawing it back.”
SNAP currently supports more than 42 million Americans, including 1.8 million residents in Illinois and over 100,000 households across the 7th Congressional District.
While Governor J.B. Pritzker has stepped in with an emergency executive order allocating $20 million to Illinois food banks, Ford emphasized that no state can replace the federal government’s essential role in combating hunger.
“Illinois is doing what’s right, but states can’t fill the federal gap alone,” Ford said.
“Instead of fighting hunger, the Trump administration is using it as a weapon — threatening to punish states for protecting their people. That’s not leadership. That’s cruelty.”
Ford, who has built his career advocating for working families and social equity, outlined his plan to defend and strengthen SNAP if elected to Congress:
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Protect SNAP from political manipulation — ensuring benefits are not used as leverage in partisan battles.
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Preserve state flexibility — allowing governors to respond quickly in times of crisis.
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Partner with states and food banks — to modernize food distribution and reach underserved communities.
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Restore trust in government — by ensuring Washington is a problem-solver, not a source of chaos and fear.
“No parent should have to choose between groceries, medicine, and rent,” Ford said.
“In Congress, I’ll fight for a government that stands with people, not against them — because hunger should never be a weapon.”
