Filed under Low Value Content: SNAP benefits in peril

Don’t spread rumors
check the
USDA website.

There’s growing uncertainty about November SNAP benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has notified all state agencies that, if the shutdown continues, there may not be enough federal funds to cover November SNAP benefits. The USDA has asked states to delay sending out their November benefit files until further notice.

October SNAP benefits are not affected, but November benefits could be delayed or paused if Congress does not pass a funding bill soon.

Here in Illinois, the Department of Human Services says more than 1.9 million residents rely on over $350 million in SNAP benefits every month. Because SNAP is a 100% federally funded program, the state cannot cover those benefits on its own if federal funding stops.

Officials stress that the situation depends entirely on whether Congress and the White House reach a deal to reopen the government. If a resolution comes soon, benefits should continue as normal. But if the shutdown continues past late October, SNAP recipients could see disruptions starting November 1.

For now, recipients do not need to reapply or take any new action — just stay informed through trusted sources like the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Illinois DHS, or your local human services office.

What you can do:

🗣️ Call to Action (optional)

• check your LINK or EBT accounts around the end of the month.

• Use local food pantries or community food programs if benefits are delayed.

• Avoid sharing rumors — updates will come directly from USDA and state agencies.

One pot chicken meal recipes are helpful :

Here are a few easy, flavorful one-pot chicken meal recipes — perfect for saving time and cleaning fewer dishes! 🍗

🍋 

1. Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs (or boneless breasts)
• 1½ cups long-grain rice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2½ cups chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt, pepper, olive oil

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear in olive oil until golden (5–6 min each side). Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Stir in rice, lemon juice, and chicken broth.
4. Nestle chicken back in, cover, and simmer on low 20–25 min, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
5. Garnish with parsley or lemon slices.

🍅 

2. One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for lighter option)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• Olive oil, salt, pepper

Instructions:

1. Sear chicken until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté garlic and tomatoes for 2 min.
3. Add cream, Parmesan, and a pinch of pepper — simmer until thickened.
4. Add spinach to wilt.
5. Return chicken, coat in sauce, and simmer 5–10 min more.
   Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread.

🌽 

3. Southwest Chicken and Quinoa

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
• 1 cup black beans (drained)
• 1 cup corn
• 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp chili powder, salt

Instructions:

1. Brown chicken in a large pot with a little oil.
2. Add all other ingredients and stir.
3. Bring to boil, then cover and simmer 20–25 min until quinoa is cooked.
4. Fluff and top with avocado, cilantro, or cheese.

🥔 

4. Rustic Chicken Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs, cut in chunks
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp thyme, salt, pepper

Instructions:

1. Sauté chicken until browned, remove.
2. Cook onion, carrots, and potatoes 3–4 min.
3. Add broth and seasonings; bring to boil.
4. Return chicken, cover, and simmer 30 min until tender.
   Comfort food perfection!