United Way of Champaign County: Local Resources Available for Families Impacted by Government Shutdown
Champaign, IL — October 29, 2025 — As the federal government shutdown continues, millions of families across the nation who rely on nutrition assistance programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) are facing growing uncertainty. Without swift federal action, November benefits may be delayed or disrupted—placing families at immediate risk of hunger and hardship.
SNAP helps more than 40 million Americans afford groceries each month, while WIC provides healthy food, formula, and essential supplies to nearly 7 million women, infants, and children. In Champaign County and across Illinois, the potential interruption of these benefits could leave thousands of families struggling to meet their most basic needs.
“Access to nutritious food is essential to the health and stability of our families,” said Sue Grey, President & CEO, United Way of Champaign County. “We are fortunate that our community is strong and responsive. Local organizations are working together to ensure that no one faces hunger alone during this challenging time.”
Local partners are already stepping up to provide vital support. Kelly Daly, President & CEO of Eastern Illinois Foodbank, shared a message of resilience:
“With the support from our community empowering us to rise to this challenge, I want to be clear: hunger may not be going anywhere any time soon, but neither are we.”
United Way of Champaign County encourages residents affected by the shutdown to seek help through these local and statewide resources:
- Call 211 – A free, confidential service that connects you to food pantries, meal programs, housing, and other essential services in your ZIP code.
- Champaign Unit 4 Schools – Will continue to provide breakfast and lunch for students during the shutdown, ensuring children have access to healthy meals.
- Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) – Maintains a regularly updated Food Access in Champaign County page with information on food pantries, meal sites, and emergency assistance across the county.
- Illinois Extension Food Finder – Visit the Find Food Illinois map from the University of Illinois Extension to locate food pantries, grocery stores, and meal sites anywhere in the state.
United Way of Champaign County remains in close contact with community partners to coordinate support, share updates, and respond to emerging needs.
“We encourage anyone who needs help to reach out—whether it’s for food, childcare, housing, or health resources,” said Grey. “Our community stands united to ensure families have what they need to get through this.”