SNAP Benefits

As federal SNAP work requirements return, a new workforce platform is launching to help Illinois residents build skills and find employment amid looming benefit cuts.

A grace period ends next week. Starting April 1, shoppers won't be able to use SNAP to buy sugary snacks in Indiana. The law's been on the books since January.

Meals on Wheels Chicago is launching a new program called Snap Together to support people affected by recent changes to SNAP benefits.

Thousands may lose food support when SNAP rules change next month. The Greater Chicago Food Depository outlines what’s changing and who’s at risk. 

The Greater Chicago Food Depository is warning that new federal work-reporting requirements could put Illinois SNAP recipients at risk of losing benefits.  

Illinois SNAP recipients are finally receiving their full benefits again after a temporary halt caused by the government shutdown. While the state expects all 1.8 million recipients to be paid by tomorrow, many families are still struggling. To help, Christmas in the Wards surprised dozens of West Side families with $50 food vouchers and plans more giveaways this week.

Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order aimed at closing the gap. And across the city, several community groups are stepping up to lend a helping hand.

Cameron Matteson from the Greater Chicago Food Depository tells ChicagoLIVE how the SNAP freeze during the government shutdown sent pantry lines soaring. She explains why hunger is still rising even after benefits resume and how Chicagoans are stepping up to help neighbors in need.

Illinois State Senator Dave Syverson joined ChicagoLIVE on Friday to criticize Governor JB Pritzker’s handling of immigration-related programs — including healthcare for noncitizens and SNAP benefits. Syverson argued that state policies restricting cooperation with ICE have created “chaos,” strained hospitals, and put pressure on law enforcement, while calling for changes to Illinois’ Trust Act and sanctuary laws.

FOX 32's Gabriella Premus visited a Chicago food pantry helping families who’ve been struggling to find their next meal as SNAP assistance begins to return.

As federal offices reopen, Washington faces lasting economic uncertainty and fresh political turmoil in the shutdown’s aftermath.

After the 43-day federal government shutdown, Illinois says nearly two million residents will see their full November SNAP benefit payments soon.

A Homewood woman turned her front yard into a “Little Free Pantry," creating a quiet, grassroots hub where neighbors can pick up food and essentials no longer covered by shrinking SNAP benefits.

The ongoing government shutdown is affecting the supplemental nutrition assistance program, and the nearly 42-million people who rely on it are facing new disruptions in receiving their benefits tonight.