THE POWER & POSSIBILITY
OF SNAP
SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) is a federal safety net program. It is the primary source of nutrition assistance for almost 2 million households in Illinois. SNAP lifts millions of households above the poverty line and improves people’s food security.
WHAT IS SNAP?
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), also known as Food Stamps or EBT/Link in Illinois, is our nation’s largest and most effective hunger-relief program, providing a critical lifeline to millions nationwide and nearly 2 million people in Illinois.
SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being.
WHY SNAP MATTERS
Food insecurity and the need for food in Illinois remains elevated.
SNAP is designed to respond to need, acting as a cost-effective investment in food security, health and overall well-being of our communities.
Anyone can lose a job, become sick or need to take care of a child or family member. SNAP is there to help people afford the food they need to stay healthy and get back on their feet.
SNAP SUPPORTS THE LOCAL ECONOMY
While providing a critical safety net for neighbors in need, SNAP also strengthens local economies and supports jobs.
Every dollar spent on SNAP creates $1.50 in economic opportunity for local retailers, food producers and farmers. Locally, SNAP generates $280M/month in local economic activity.
Grocery stores and famers' markets that accept SNAP, in turn, contribute to local taxes that fund services like schools and health care.
SNAP RULES ARE CHANGING
Congress recently passed a bill that includes cuts and changes to SNAP.
450,000 Illinoisans are at risk of losing food access due to new work reporting requirements. Work reporting requirements impact older adults, parents with children older than 14, veterans, former foster youth, and people experiencing homelessness. Stay informed and take action to keep your benefits today.
SPREAD THE WORD
Tell your community about changes to SNAP so they can keep their benefits.
GET INVOLVED
We are working with a network of Illinois leaders and organizations to help our neighbors navigate changes to their benefits. Together, we can Save Our SNAP!