Illinois SNAP enrollment hits 13-year low

SNAP enrollment in Illinois has reached a 13-year low as of the end of August, marking the ninth consecutive month of decline. The decrease follows changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, including new requirements that mandate recipients work 80 hours per month to remain eligible.

Approximately 1 in 9 Illinois residents receive SNAP benefits, with Chicago accounting for roughly 31% of the state's recipients. Governor JB Pritzker stated that the changes have stripped food assistance from nearly 100,000 people at a time of rising costs for groceries, gas, and utilities.

In response, Illinois has invested $70 million into the Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger (FRESH) program. However, the program is designed as a temporary measure, providing a one-time $400 payment to families who lost benefits due to the new federal requirements.