Illinois budget includes $200,000 to redefine ‘low-income’

By Mailee Smith

06/08/2026

The new budget focuses on semantics rather than ensuring the right people receive SNAP benefits.

TAGS: SNAP

Illinois budget proposes $200,000 to redefine ‘low income’

By Josh Bandoch

05/28/2026

The proposed state budget would pay to develop a new definition in the face of federal changes to the SNAP program.

TAGS: SNAP

Illinois SNAP errors could cost taxpayers up to $700 million in penalties

By Lauren Zuar

10/20/2025

Illinois risks millions in penalties under new federal law because of errors in determining who qualifies for food assistance. To protect taxpayers and struggling families, the state must increase its administrative precision.

TAGS: SNAP

Nearly 2M Illinoisans still need federal food benefits, most in Chicago

By Sachi Gaonkar

07/18/2025

Although enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program declined marginally in April, nearly 2 million Illinoisans still depend on the federal food aid. Illinois’ food insecurity has yet to recover from the pandemic.

TAGS: SNAP

Illinois food assistance dips in January, but still leads region

By Lauren Zuar

05/07/2025

Illinois had a slight decrease in food assistance recipients in January, yet the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participation remains higher than it was a decade ago and ahead of neighboring states.

TAGS: SNAP

Despite slight decline, nearly 2M Illinoisans still receive food help

By Lauren Zuar

03/27/2025

Illinois enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program decreased slightly in December, but over 1.9 million residents still received benefits.

TAGS: SNAP

Food assistance need grows 12% in Illinois since 2019

By Lauren Zuar

02/19/2025

Nearly 2 million Illinoisans, with around half in Cook County, relied on federal food assistance in October 2024, marking a 12% increase in five years.

TAGS: SNAP

Over 1 in 7 Illinoisans get food assistance

By Patrick Andriesen

11/01/2024

Nearly 2 million Illinoisans – or more than 1-in-7 – received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in July 2024. One-quarter of county offices reported more than 1-in-5 residents received food help.

TAGS: SNAP

Food assistance rises, with nearly 2M Illinoisans getting benefits in June

By Patrick Andriesen

10/04/2024

Nearly 2 million Illinoisans – or nearly 1 in 6 – received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in June 2024. The number of Illinoisans needing federal help with groceries was the highest since September 2023.

TAGS: SNAP

Nearly 2M Illinoisans receive federal food assistance in May

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

08/29/2024

Nearly 2 million Illinoisans – or nearly 1-in-6 state residents – received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in May 2024. Illinois ranked No. 9 in the nation for highest rate of federal food help.

TAGS: SNAP

SNAP

Illinois budget includes $200,000 to redefine ‘low-income’

Illinois budget proposes $200,000 to redefine ‘low income’

Illinois SNAP errors could cost taxpayers up to $700 million in penalties

Nearly 2M Illinoisans still need federal food benefits, most in Chicago

Illinois food assistance dips in January, but still leads region

Despite slight decline, nearly 2M Illinoisans still receive food help

Food assistance need grows 12% in Illinois since 2019

Over 1 in 7 Illinoisans get food assistance

Food assistance rises, with nearly 2M Illinoisans getting benefits in June

Nearly 2M Illinoisans receive federal food assistance in May

Pathway to a Profession: How Apprenticeships Could Reshape Illinois’ Beauty Service Industry

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students