Discover How Many Illinois Residents Rely on SNAP Benefits Today

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A recent decision from a U.S. District Judge in Rhode Island could rejuvenate a federal program crucial for providing food assistance to millions. The court has mandated that the Trump administration restore full federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to states by the end of the week.

This development raises questions about the timing of the funds’ release and the impact on recipients nationwide, including those in Illinois.

The eligibility for SNAP benefits hinges on income levels. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as of 2022, approximately 75% of SNAP beneficiaries in Illinois are at or below the poverty line. On average, individuals receive about $190 monthly, while households typically get around $356.

Local community leaders are reacting to the news. Marti Pearson, Director of the Hope Center Food Pantry in Urbana, expressed optimism about the ruling’s potential impact.

“It’s encouraging to see some judges recognizing the realities we’re facing and taking steps to effect change,” Pearson commented.

On Thursday, U.S. District Judge John J. McConnel Jr. gave President Trump’s administration until Friday to make full payments through the supplemental nutrition assistance program. He said they, “failed to consider the practical consequences associated with this decision to only partially fund SNAP.”

“I’m glad that the judges are making that happen,” Pearson said.

If these benefits get fully funded, they’ll be going out to a diverse group of people across the United States.

A 2019 breakdown of USDA numbers shows 37% of people getting SNAP assistance are white, 26% African American, 16% Hispanic, 3% Asian, 2% Native American and 16% unknown.

“We all need help from time to time,” Pearson said. “If you’ve lived very long at all, you have probably gone through times that you’re living paycheck to paycheck, or you’re really relying on someone else to help you.”

They also tracked users in a different way.

In 2023, the USDA broke down SNAP recipients by how they get their income:

33% are on social security
28% work a job
23% get supplemental security income, which typically goes to people with disabilities or their families
7% by other means.

The USDA said as of last year, more than 1.9 million people, or one in every seven, get these benefits in Illinois compared to the national average of one in eight. Pearson said that’s okay and has a message for people who may be embarrassed to ask for help.

“You’re not alone,” Pearson said. “You’re not the only person that that’s ever happened to. There are many more people like, like myself, who have maybe had to rely on someone else’s help from time to time in my life.”

The Justice Department has already appealed the judge’s order — and the Trump administration said they are already complying with an earlier order to use the contingency funds to provide partial SNAP benefits for November.

However, we’re still waiting to find out when those payments will come.