Food and Nutrition
Accessing Food-Snap Benefits and LINK
No one should have to choose between paying bills and buying food. Illinois helps residents at risk of hunger purchase groceries from grocery stores, farmers’ markets, gas stations, and local corner stores through its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. SNAP recipients receive a monthly cash amount on their LINK cards that works just like a debit card. You can purchase almost any grocery or farmer’s market item with your LINK card with the exception of alcohol of any kind, pre-cooked meals found at restaurant counters within the grocery store, pet food, or household items such as cleaning supplies. If you attempt to use your LINK card to buy any of these items, those specific items will be declined at check out and you will be asked to pay for them in cash. Curious if you qualify for SNAP? Use this calculator to see if you are eligible for benefits: SNAP Eligibility Calculator.
For more information on SNAP qualifications and applying for a LINK card, click on the following links
SNAP Basics: Do You Qualify for a Link Card?
Emergency SNAP Benefits: How to Apply
Applying for SNAP while Homeless
Women, Infants, and Children
WIC, like SNAP, is a food assistance program provided by the State of Illinois. Unlike SNAP, WIC is specifically for women who are :
Pregnant, breastfeeding or just had a baby
Infants and Children under 5 years old (including foster children)
Families with a low to medium income
In addition to food assistance, WIC will also help you access medical care for you and your children. For more information or to determine if you qualify, click this link: Illinois Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
Meal Prep and Recipe Ideas
Food on a budget doesn’t have to mean cup ramen and boxed macaroni and cheese. Treat yo self! Choose any of the follow links for tips on cooking at home, affordable meal ideas, and grocery budgeting:
6 Cheap and Easy Meal Prep Ideas
No Stove, no problem: Microwave Meals
Eating on a Budget: Low Cost Recipes for Any Budget