Hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans have already lost access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as sweeping federal changes take effect, putting new pressure on families, local food banks and communities across the state. On Tuesday, state and community leaders gathered at the Greater Chicago Food Depository to call attention to the growing hunger crisis, highlight Illinois’ response and recognize leaders working to protect access to food.  Since the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” last year, approximately 450,000 fewer Illinoisans are enrolled in SNAP – a 24% decline – including more than 100,000 children. The drop in participants represents a combined loss of an estimated $1.25B in federal SNAP benefits for Illinoisans. This comes as new hunger data released last week reveals that 1 in 3 Chicago households are food insecure.

The “One Big, Beautiful Bill” also shifts unprecedented costs onto states to keep SNAP in operation, fundamentally changing the funding structure that’s been in place for more than half a century. If Congress does not reverse course, Illinois will be forced to absorb an estimated $550M every year starting in October 2028 just to keep basic food assistance available for families who are already struggling to make ends meet. Illinois has compassionately responded by creating new tools to help people facing hunger. The Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger (FRESH) program provides one-time, $400 of emergency assistance to eligible Illinoisans who lost SNAP due to federally expanded work requirements.

Photo Credit: Greater Chicago Food Depository