ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Justice Tidwell drops a plastic bin crammed with cans of food onto a table. Signs declaring “Tax the Rich” and “People over Millionaires” surround the donation.
“We always give back to those who cannot because we were once there,” she said. “It just feels really good to help out and to spread awareness of how we can overcome the situation.”
On Monday, Tidwell joins Citizen Action Illinois for the “Care Not Cuts” food drive. The advocacy group hosted the event to restock food pantries affected by the recent government shutdown.
While food assistance returned for 1.9 million Illinoisans, changes enacted in President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” impacted the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Citizen Action Illinois claims Trump’s bill hurts families who depend on SNAP benefits. Starting December 1, immigrants granted legal protections lose food assistance; by next spring, recipients between 18 and 64 years old will be required to meet at least 80 hours per month of work, volunteering, education or training.
The advocacy group targeted Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Illinois) for supporting Trump’s spending and tax bill.
“The fact is that everyday people will suffer from these slashes,” said King Moosa, an organizing manager with Citizen Action Illinois.
The group reported 29,012 constituents in LaHood’s district rely on SNAP. Organizers hoped the food drive sent “a clear message” to the lawmaker.
“We need more money and more funding for programs like these to reach people who can’t already have access to these programs,” maintained Moosa. “I’m more than happy to be able to provide an opportunity for the community to come together and show the power of us.”
State Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) joined the food drive as well.
“Even though the government shutdown is over with, thankfully, there’s still people out here hungry,” he said. “So, we’re here asking our community members showcase an attitude of gratitude, and whatever canned goods that they can bring for those who need it the most, we’re here to collect it.”
Food assistance changes also include state governments needing to step up financial contributions to the program.
“Honestly, if this stays the way it is, the State of Illinois is going to have to find where we’re going to find the money to feed people,” contended West. “All I can do as a state official is work with the community to control our ‘controllables.’”
In a statement, LaHood defended his votes for avoiding a shutdown and reopening the federal government.
“I proudly voted to avoid a government shutdown and protect vital services that hardworking Illinoisans rely on in September, and I was proud to vote to reopen the government last week to continue funding vital services and benefits, including SNAP. As the consequences of the Democrats’ decision to shut down the government for more than 40 days are still being felt, I am thankful that we have community members coming together to help those in need. I will continue my work in Congress to ensure the people of the 16th District have the resources they need.”
Tidwell says she aspires for a mutual understanding between lawmakers to feed families.
“Hopefully going forward, we just can always try to do what’s best for the community.”
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