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Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton visits Dolton food pantry to highlight SNAP cuts
Summary
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton visited the Abba Center and Free Indeed Market in Dolton to see how SNAP benefit reductions that took effect May 1 are affecting families; she said about 120,000 Illinoisans have lost or risk losing benefits and urged community support while the state explores responses.
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton visited the Abba Center and Free Indeed Market in Dolton and said recent reductions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which took effect May 1, have left roughly 120,000 Illinoisans "lost or on the verge of losing" the assistance that helps families put food on the table.
Stratton, speaking at a press event at Free Indeed Market, said she toured the pantry to hear directly from local providers and residents and that the cuts are not just about groceries. "It's important to know that, even though we hear these numbers — a 120,000 — they are individual people," she said, adding that the state will "keep doing everything we can to try to address this issue," while noting limits on what state government can do when federal benefits change.
The lieutenant governor described the visit as a chance to meet community partners and local officials, including Mayor Jason House and the board of trustees, to discuss partnerships and gaps in services. She said the loss of SNAP benefits increases pressure on local providers and on households for other essentials.
Dr. Scott, a community provider who accompanied Stratton on the visit, urged more sustained support for local organizations. "We just need to be supported so we can continue to serve the Southland," Dr. Scott said, thanking the lieutenant governor for taking the tour.
A local resident, Sharon, described relying on help from Dr. Scott while she cares for a great niece and nephew and expressed gratitude for community assistance. "I just want to say thank you, Dr. Scott," she said.
The village also issued a statement thanking Lieutenant Governor Stratton, Dr. Scott and community partners for drawing attention to food insecurity and other needs that have been intensified by the SNAP changes. No specific state or federal policy action was announced at the event; Stratton said the state would continue to seek ways to help families affected by the benefit reductions.
Next steps were not detailed at the event; community leaders said continued coordination between state officials and local providers would be necessary to address immediate needs.
