Food assistance rises, with nearly 2M Illinoisans getting benefits in June
Nearly 2 million Illinoisans – or nearly 1 in 6 – received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in June 2024. The number of Illinoisans needing federal help with groceries was the highest since September 2023.
A new report shows over 1.99 million Illinoisans received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in June 2024, the most since September 2023, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services.
The state data shows 2.5% fewer Illinoisans were taking advantage of the SNAP program in June 2024 than one year earlier. Despite this short-term decline, 228,177 more residents received federal food assistance than in June 2019.
The rise in SNAP recipients shows economic challenges remain for many families across the state, even as the immediate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have waned.
Illinois had the ninth-highest share of residents using federal SNAP benefits, down from No. 7 in March. Illinois still had the highest participation rate in the Midwest with nearly 1-in-6 Illinoisans receiving federal food help.
The data also shows big disparities in food assistance needs across Illinois counties. Pulaski County showed the highest concentration of SNAP recipients in June, with one-third of residents receiving benefits.
In contrast, McHenry County reported the lowest participation rate, with about 6.8% of residents receiving help.
Chicago contributed significantly to Illinois’ SNAP participation rate. Within Cook County, Chicago accounted for 55% of the households but 67% of county SNAP households receiving benefits.
While SNAP benefits help thousands of families put food on the table each year, the rising cost of goods means those benefits don’t stretch as far for program participants. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s move to eliminate Illinois’ 1% grocery tax could provide some relief if city leaders don’t use their ability to reimpose it, but it’s clear more comprehensive solutions are needed.
Illinois must focus on strengthening its fiscal position, removing regulatory burdens and providing real tax relief both to workers who are already finding it difficult to remain in Illinois and to job creators who are desperately trying to stay.