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Illinois

All kinds of help

Food

Help buying groceries and getting meals for you and your family. Your state runs food benefits (SNAP), WIC for pregnant people and young children, and school meals. Food banks and free meal sites near you can help too, often the same day.Help in Illinois.

Ask about it

Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.

Programs in Illinois

Illinois programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Illinois Department of Human Services

    Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

    SNAP helps eligible households pay for food using an Illinois Link card.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 800-843-6154

  • Illinois Department of Human Services

    Women, Infants, and Children Program

    WIC gives food benefits and nutrition help to eligible pregnant people, new parents, infants, and children under 5.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

    Agency pageCall 800-843-6154

  • Illinois State Board of Education

    National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs

    Participating schools provide free or reduced-price meals to eligible students.

    Ways to apply:PaperIn person

    Agency pageCall 866-262-6663

  • Illinois State Board of Education

    Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer

    Summer EBT provides grocery benefits to eligible children during summer break.

    Ways to apply:Online

    Apply online Agency pageCall 866-262-6663

Checked on October 8, 2026

Food banks that serve Illinois

Food banks in the Feeding America network supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call yours or check its website to find one close by.

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