To end hunger for good, we need strong public policy. We advocate for policies that protect individuals and families from hunger. Raise your voice and let your elected officials know that you support hunger relief programs.
Our Policy Priorities
The Food Depository mobilizes the public to help end hunger. At the federal, state, and local level, our policy priorities include:
- Maintaining and strengthening hunger relief programs
- Increasing the amount of healthy food that is available and affordable to all
- Ensuring that healthy meals are available in schools for children in need
Take Action to End Hunger
Register Now for Lobby Day
Join anti-hunger advocates from across Illinois for a day of action in Springfield. The annual End Hunger Now Lobby Day takes place May 6, 2020. The Food Depository is providing training and transportation for advocates.
Learn more and register now.
Get Counted in the 2020 Census
An accurate count in the 2020 Census is essential to preserving federal funding for nutrition programs and other resources. In past Census years, some neighborhoods and populations have been hard to count. This leaves important resources on the table for our communities. Learn more and get resources to promote Census participation.
Learn How the Public Charge Rule Affects Illinois Residents
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is making significant changes to the Public Charge test. These changes went into effect nationwide on February 24, 2020. This includes the state of Illinois.
There had been a court case that was preventing the policy from being enforced in Illinois, but the courts ruled that the policy could be enforced in Illinois while the legal challenge moves forward.
Food pantries and meal programs continue to welcome all people. Except for SNAP, food assistance programs are not part of the expanded Public Charge test.
Download our FAQs to learn how Public Charge affects people in our community.
Public Charge FAQs – English
Public Charge FAQs – Spanish
Proposed Limits to SNAP Categorical Eligibility
On July 23, the White House announced its latest proposal to restrict access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This harmful proposal comes after Congress negotiated and passed a bipartisan Farm Bill that protects SNAP. Low-income families with children would lose access to critical nutrition programs under this rule. The Food Depository opposes this proposed change and urges the White House to rescind it. Learn more.
