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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.