Kankakee Times

U.S. Representative Robin Kelly, who has consistently secured large margins in her Illinois congressional elections since 2014, posted a series of statements on X (formerly Twitter) criticizing the recent suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and its impact on millions of Americans.

On October 31, 2025, Kelly highlighted efforts by local organizations to address food insecurity: "Families waiting on SNAP can still get help. The @FoodDepository is setting up extra food distribution sites every Saturday in November, offering prepacked grocery boxes for those who need support. Food banks are stepping up, but it’s not enough. President Trump needs to https://t.co/QrDYIyyxrz".

Later that day, she addressed the federal government’s role in the issue: "At Trump’s direction, USDA Secretary Rollins is illegally suspending SNAP. 42 million Americans rely on SNAP to put food on the table. That’s: 16 million children 8 million seniors 1.2 million veterans They’re all at risk of losing food assistance tomorrow."

On November 1, 2025, Kelly criticized Congressional Republicans over the ongoing government shutdown and its effects on families: "You can’t feed your kids with excuses. You can’t pay bills with empty promises. 32 days into the Republican shutdown, and families are paying the price while Republicans offer nothing but excuses and empty promises."

Robin Kelly has been elected multiple times to represent her district in Illinois—defeating Thomas Lynch in 2022 with more than two-thirds of the vote and winning by similarly wide margins against Theresa Raborn (2020), David Merkle (2018), John Morrow (2016), and Eric Wallace (2014). Her public statements reflect ongoing concerns about federal nutrition assistance programs during periods of political gridlock.