PEORIA ( 25News Now ) - The rules on SNAP benefits changed nationwide on Sept. 1, and leaders at a Peoria food pantry are concerned it could drive more people into need.

SNAP benefit changes fall under the Trump administration’s federal spending plan, also commonly known as the “big, beautiful bill,” cutting around $300 billion from the program. That bill was signed into law on July 4.

According to the Illinois Department of Human Services , previously, people ages 18 to 54 with no dependents were required to show proof of work to qualify for SNAP. That age has now been increased to 64.

Additionally, children ages 14 to 18 can no longer be considered dependents under SNAP work requirement rules.

States will also be on the hook for funding part of these benefits, which were prev

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