Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – About 150 people whose SNAP benefits are in jeopardy rallied at the Capitol Tuesday.

While federal lawmakers earlier saved the food-stamp benefits from suspension, they remain at risk. “Up to 250,000 Illinoisans could lose food access by May 1 if they don’t report exemptions, work requirements, etc. This is a new rule, so many don’t know they need to do it. Also, there are federal cuts which must be filled at the state level,” said a spokeswoman for “Save Our SNAP” via text message.

“I’ve been on SNAP,” State Rep. Graciela Guzman (D-Chicago) told a rally in the Capitol Complex before a march into the statehouse to lobby lawmakers. “I watched my mother stretch meals for seven people. I know what it means when every trip to the grocery store is math. And now I get to stand here as a senator because I had SNAP.”

Among the bills this group wants: an emergency assistance payment of $600.

People could lose their SNAP benefits “simply because they don’t know they now have to report their work, job training, or volunteer hours – or that they may be eligible to apply for exemptions,” said Skyler Larrimore of the Save Our SNAP Coalition.

“Letting people go hungry is a policy choice, and in Illinois we have to choose better.”