a day ago
Snapshot of food insecurity in Illinois and the U.S.
Before July 4, food insecurity was already a growing issue across the United States. Here are some of the reasons why:
The legislation expanded work requirements for SNAP recipients in the following categories who were previously exempt:
If SNAP recipients in those categories don't find 80 hours of work per month, they will lose their benefits.
Nearly 2 million Illinoisans were using SNAP benefits in 2024 — 15.7% of the state for the seventh-highest percentage in the nation, the Illinois Policy Institute reported.
SNAP recipients are not the only ones in need of food assistance, though. Mike Havala, president and CEO of the Naperville-based nonprofit Loaves & Fishes Community Services, explained the 'SNAP gap' at a roundtable event in Geneva earlier this month. Here's the idea:
Many people in the 'SNAP gap' and on SNAP benefits depend on food pantries to supplement the limited food they can afford. Because of the 'Big, Beautiful Bill,' even more people will need help from nonprofit food banks and pantries.
