Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine/Catchlight Local/Report for AmericaMore than 157,000 eligible Illinois residents who lost SNAP benefits may qualify for a one-time $400 payment for food. Here’s what you should know.
Hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents who recently lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits because of federal changes may qualify for financial aid under a new state program.
Since Aug.1, Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger — or FRESH — has offered one-time $400 payments to more than 157,000 eligible residents whose SNAP benefits were reduced or stopped in May because of new work requirements under President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
The bill, also known as HR 1, was signed into law last July and made sweeping budget cuts to social safety programs, including SNAP and Medicaid. Under new SNAP guidelines, adults ages 18 to 64 must work or volunteer a minimum of 80 hours a month — or about 20 hours a week — to receive SNAP benefits.
News that puts power under the spotlight and communities at the center.
Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates twice a week.
The previous age limit was 54. Participating in job training or education programs also count toward the requirement.
Food advocates in Chicago say SNAP is a lifeline for many households, and expanding rules add another barrier to an already burdened process. That’s why Illinois FRESH is critical for recipients. They said it provides a bridge for people facing uncertainties while navigating changes to federal guidelines.
“Food is a basic human right,” said Man-Yee Lee, director of communications at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, which serves more than 800,000 people in Chicago and Cook County each year through 850 community partners.
Borderless Magazine spoke with state officials and food advocates about what eligible Illinois residents should know about FRESH benefits.
How can I get FRESH benefits?
Payments are automatically deposited on individuals’ electronic Illinois Link cards as cash benefits, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services.
When do I receive payments?
The state began issuing the one-time $400 payments Aug. 1, and since July has mailed notices to clients to inform them of their eligibility, state officials previously said in a news release.
Individuals who lost their SNAP benefits because of new federal work requirements during May, June or July will receive payments on or after Aug. 1, 2026.
Those with benefits impacted in August or after will receive payments during the same month SNAP benefits were stopped or reduced.
Where can I use FRESH?
Recipients can use FRESH to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets and other retailers where Link is accepted. Funds can also be withdrawn as cash at an ATM.
How long does the program run?
Illinois lawmakers allocated $70 million of the state’s nearly $56 billion budget to FRESH, which is expected to end next June – or until funding runs out.
If I’m already receiving other benefits like WIC or TANF, could I still receive FRESH benefits?
Yes. Receiving support from the federal Women, Infants and Children (WIC) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) does not affect an individual’s eligibility for FRESH benefits.
Where can I find additional food assistance?
Nourishing Hope is among the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s partners offering two pantry locations – El Mercadito in Humboldt Park and Sheridan Market in Lakeview – and an online market to residents searching for fresh produce, personal toiletries and other staples.
The online market, which launched in 2022 and offers pickups, is an extension of the longtime social service organization’s mission to make food more accessible to people.
“This provides you the flexibility of choosing what you want, and where, and when, you want to pick it up,” said Mitzi Baum, chief executive officer at Nourishing Hope, which is headquartered in West Town but serves residents across Chicago.
The Friendship Center, another food depository partner, has produce, fish and meat available at its pantry and is open four days a week. The Lincoln Square organization also provides hot meals, grocery deliveries and supplies for pets.
Other mutual aid efforts help make up the patchwork of resources aimed at feeding families and individuals.
Free food and household items can be found in one of 17 community fridges operated by the volunteers of The Love Fridge Chicago.
More pantries and other resources are listed in a Borderless guide here. Borderless also put together a list of the city’s mutual aid initiatives here.
Where can I find more information on FRESH?
For more information, visit the Illinois Department of Human Services website.
F. Amanda Tugade is a reporter at Borderless Magazine. Email her at [email protected].
