Our Advocacy Mission
Northern Illinois Food Bank works to shape policies that guarantee every neighbor has reliable access to nutritious food. Through collaboration with community partners and all levels of government, we advocate for solutions rooted in dignity, equity, and convenience.
SNAP Changes Under H.R. 1
On July 4th, 2025, the president signed into law H.R. 1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, that included nearly $200 billion worth of cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the largest in the program’s history.
The legislative changes include:
- On February 1st, 2026, work requirements and time limits resumed for adults aged 18-64 with no disability or dependents. H.R.1 broadened the criteria for who must comply with work requirements, putting as many as 450,000 Illinoisans at risk of losing benefits starting May 1st, 2026.
- On April 1st, 2026, all legally present “qualified” immigrants who are not lawful permanent residents, including refugees, asylum seekers, and humanitarian parolees will lose access to SNAP benefits upon recertification.
- Starting October 1st, 2026, States will share 75% of administrative costs as opposed to the previous 50%, leading to an $80 million cost increase to administer the program annually.
- A year later on October 1st, 2027, States will be required to cover 0-15% of total SNAP benefits based on the yearly payment error rates. If this policy were in place during FY24, Illinois would have paid ~$705 million based on the 11.56% error rate for that year.
H.R. 1 bars access to SNAP for all legally present “qualified” immigrants who are not lawful permanent residents, including refugees, asylum seekers, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and humanitarian parolees. The timeline for Illinois implementation of restrictions is unknown, as Illinois is one of several states challenging the legislation.
In The News
Key Programs & Policies
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP is the most effective anti-hunger policy, helping 1.9 million people in Illinois afford a nutritious diet. SNAP lifts 229,000 people out of poverty in Illinois, including 119,000 children. When benefits are cut, food banks face surging demands that they cannot fully meet. For every 1 meal a food bank provides, SNAP provides 9.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
TEFAP is a federal initiative that channels food from farms to food banks, ensuring it reaches neighbors in need. More than 20% of the food distributed through food banks comes from TEFAP support.
Farm to Food Bank
The Farm to Food Bank initiative establishes a connection between food banks and farmers, enabling the purchase of local produce at a lower cost than retail or wholesale. This partnership simultaneously supports food security in state while also boosting farmers’ income.
Child Nutrition Reauthorization
Community nutrition refers to programs and policies designed to ensure individuals (particularly children and other vulnerable populations) have consistent access to the food they need to thrive. Programs include:
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- Summer EBT
- Summer EBT is a program that provides families with a monthly grocery benefit to feed their children during the summer months when school is not in session.
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to essential health support and social services for women who are pregnant and families who have children under age five.
- Healthy School Meals for All
- Healthy School Meals for All ensures every student has access to free breakfast and lunch, removing financial barriers and helping reduce racial disparities in health and education outcomes.
- Summer EBT
Use Your Voice
Know Your Elected Officials
Research your elected officials and see what they are doing to solve hunger. Not sure who your current elected officials are? Find out now.
Register to Vote
You have the power to elect legislators who are dedicated to eliminating hunger in your community. Make sure you register so your voice can be heard.
Share Your Story
Have you been impacted by hunger, volunteered at a food bank or pantry, advocated for hunger-relief, or noticed the effects of hunger on friends, family, or neighbors? We want to hear from YOU!
