Food

Programs/Services

Hungry people need food. Illinois has many programs that can help.

• Emergency Food - Helps supplement the diets of low-income needy people by providing food at no cost.
• SNAP (Formerly Food Stamps) - Helps low-income households buy the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet.
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) - A food assistance program for Women, Infants, and Children. It helps pregnant women, new mothers and young children eat well and stay healthy.
• WIC Farmer's Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) -A food assistance program for Women, Infants, and Children. Can provide special checks to buy fresh, nutritious fruits, vegetables, and herbs from farmers' markets and roadside stands.
• Homeless Youth Services strives to meet the immediate survival needs (food, clothing, and shelter) of youth and assist them in becoming self-sufficient.
• Illinois Welcoming Center

Apply for Food Assistance

• Apply For Cash, SNAP (Food Stamps) & Medical Assistance

Calculators & Tools

• Use the SNAP Eligibility Calculator to find out if you are eligible for SNAP (Food Stamp) Benefits.

More Information & Resources

• Illinois Link Card - the card that allows you to spend your cash and SNAP benefits electronically.
• Food Pantries - a list of food pantries that serve Illinois families.
• Farmers Markets that Accept Illinois Link
• Report fraud for Cash, SNAP & Medical Assistance
• Change of Information for SNAP - If you are receiving SNAP, learn how to change your information.
• Cash, SNAP and Medical Manual

Other State Agency Programs

• Low-income consumers may qualify for assistance to help pay for installation of telephone service and monthly charges for local phone service through the Lifeline and Link-Up Telephone Assistance Programs.