Help is Here: Food

The Illinois Department of Human Services has several programs to help Illinois residents with their food needs. Please see below and follow the links to learn more about the programs IDHS offers.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps):

• Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) - benefit that can help buy food for your school age children 3-17 and 18-22 (in high school) who would receive National School Lunch Program free or reduced-priced meals if schools are in session. Apply online at ABE.Illinois.gov or on the paper Application for P-EBT (PDF) | Application for P-EBT (Spanish PDF).
• Click the following link for basic information about the SNAP program such as who can receive benefits, program guidelines, and more: SNAP Basic Information
• Click the following link for instructions on how to apply for SNAP benefits: How to Apply for Benefits
• IDHS is encouraging customers to apply online via the ABE portal: Apply online at ABE.Illinois.gov or by phone at the ABE Call Center at 1-800-843-6154.

Food Pantries

• Click the following link for a list of resources to connect you to a food pantry or soup kitchen near you: IDHS Food Connection Resources
• Feeding Illinois is Illinois' Food Bank Network, click here to connect you with Illinois locations for food resources: http://www.feedingillinois.org/
• Search for a nearby food bank or soup kitchen here: http://www.illinoisfoodbanks.org/sites.asp