Newly created FRESH program will provide one-time payment to Illinois residents who lose SNAP benefits due to new federal requirements.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository applauds the Illinois General Assembly for passing a FY27 state budget that includes critical investments to address rising hunger in our communities. The budget contains provisions that stand as a clear and resolute rejection of federal efforts to undermine the social safety net. It underscores Illinois leaders’ commitment to protecting food access for families.
By appropriating $70M to create the Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger (FRESH) program, FRESH will provide a one‑time emergency payment of $400 to 120,000 people who have already lost SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits due to expanded federal work requirements, as well as to tens of thousands more expected to lose SNAP over the next year. This temporary bridge program will provide essential relief as households contend with the loss of food assistance, and work to fulfill the employment, volunteer, or education requirements needed to keep or regain their benefits. FRESH will also benefit local grocers and the emergency food system, as both feel the strain from the largest fall in SNAP participation in state history.
We are grateful that this budget provides temporary relief to many people affected by federal cuts and preserves funding for the existing VTTC (Victims of Torture, Trafficking, and Other Serious Crimes) Food program, reversing the Governor’s proposed cut. But lawmakers missed the chance to extend that support to the 16,000 lawfully present immigrants who recently lost SNAP, and we will continue advocating for that expansion in future sessions.
Illinois has made meaningful progress in reducing the harm of SNAP cuts. We are grateful to state government, the Illinois Department of Human Services, champions in the General Assembly, the 90+ organizations in the Save Our SNAP statewide advocacy coalition, and partners across Illinois for helping people protect their benefits and advocating for FRESH and VTTC Food. Because of these efforts, hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans can hold on to their benefits or receive critical grocery support during this challenging time.
FRESH benefits will be a lifeline for Illinoisans struggling with high food, housing, and gas costs. But our work is far from over: for the first time in SNAP’s 60-year history, the federal government is shifting costs to states, forcing Illinois to shoulder up to $800 million a year beginning in October 2027 to preserve SNAP. Many SNAP participants also face cuts to Medicaid and other healthcare while struggling to afford safe housing.
This budget reflects a strong commitment to urgent hunger relief, but even bigger challenges are ahead. Together, we will keep working to address the long-term impact of unprecedented federal cuts to SNAP and other safety net programs so every Illinoisan can access food and vital support.
Learn more about recent SNAP changes and our advocacy at saveoursnap.org.
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