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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.

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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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Illinois State Board of Education

    Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer

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

    Ways to apply:Online

Checked on October 8, 2026

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