Food Assistance Resources in Illinois

Last updated September 5, 2026

Illinois offers a range of food assistance programs for individuals and families facing hunger, whether you are dealing with a short-term crisis or an ongoing need. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) administers the state's major nutrition programs, including SNAP and WIC, and is the primary starting point for anyone seeking food-related benefits. Eligibility is based on household size, income, and other factors, and many people who assume they won't qualify are surprised to find they do.

If you're not sure where to start, calling 2-1-1 Illinois (dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211) is one of the fastest ways to get connected. Trained specialists are available around the clock to help you identify local food pantries, meal programs, and benefit enrollment support in your specific county. This is especially useful for finding community-level resources like soup kitchens or mobile food distributions that aren't always listed in one central place.

For older adults, veterans, people with disabilities, or families with young children, there are additional targeted nutrition programs that go beyond standard SNAP benefits. The sections below outline the most widely available programs and explain exactly how to access them — whether you prefer to apply online, by phone, or in person at a local IDHS office.

Key programs in Illinois

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – Illinois

Monthly electronic benefits (loaded onto a Link card) that can be used to purchase groceries at most retailers. Helps low- to moderate-income individuals, families, seniors, and people with disabilities cover the cost of food.

How to access: Apply online at the Illinois Benefits website (ABE.Illinois.gov), in person at your local IDHS Family Community Resource Center, or by calling the IDHS helpline at 1-800-843-6154. You will need to complete an application and an eligibility interview.

WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) – Illinois

Provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, referrals, and a monthly benefit for specific healthy foods (such as milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and infant formula) for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 who meet income guidelines.

How to access: Contact the Illinois WIC Program through IDHS or find your nearest WIC clinic by calling 1-800-843-6154 or visiting the IDHS website. You can also ask 2-1-1 to locate the closest WIC office to you.

2-1-1 Illinois

A free, 24/7 helpline that connects Illinois residents with local food pantries, community meal programs, mobile food distributions, emergency food assistance, and benefit enrollment help. Covers every county in the state.

How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone, text your zip code to 898-211, or search online at 211illinois.org. Interpreters are available for non-English speakers.

Greater Illinois Food Bank Network (Feeding Illinois / Feeding America affiliates)

Illinois is served by a network of regional food banks — including the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Central Illinois Food Bank, and others — that supply hundreds of local food pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs across the state.

How to access: Use the food pantry finder at feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank, contact your nearest regional food bank directly, or call 2-1-1 to find pantry hours and locations near you. Most pantries do not require proof of income.

CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program) – Senior Food Box

Provides a monthly box of USDA commodity foods (canned goods, cheese, pasta, canned meats, juice, and more) to low-income adults aged 60 and older. Administered locally through food banks and community organizations across Illinois.

How to access: Availability varies by county and is subject to waitlists. Contact your local regional food bank, call 2-1-1, or reach out to your Area Agency on Aging (find yours via the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116) to ask whether CSFP is available near you.

Food Assistance resources for Illinois

Greater Chicago Food Depository

Regional food bank serving the area with pantries and food programs.

Chicago, Illinois773-247-3663
Visit

211 (United Way)

Nationwide

Free, confidential referral line for food, and other essential local services. Dial 211.

211
Visit

Feeding America

Nationwide

Nationwide network of food banks connecting people to local pantries and meal programs.

1-800-771-2303
Visit

SNAP (USDA Food & Nutrition Service)

Nationwide

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — monthly benefits to buy food for eligible low-income individuals and families.

Visit
← Back to the full Community Resource Directory