Nearly four in ten households across Illinois are struggling to afford the basics, and their hardship is about to deepen as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are scheduled to expire on November 1, 2025. 

According to United Way’s latest data, 12% of Illinois households live below the federal poverty line, while an additional 25% fall into the ALICE category—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed. Together, these groups account for 37% of state households unable to meet the basic cost of living as of 2023. For many families, employment is not enough to guarantee food security, especially as prices rise and safety nets recede.

The expiration of SNAP benefits, which support thousands of families, is expected to strain food pantries across Central Illinois as more residents turn to local aid networks for help. ALICE families—who often earn too much to qualify for traditional assistance but still cannot afford necessities—will be hit particularly hard.

In anticipation of the increased demand, United Way has launched the Food Insecurity Fund to support area pantries on the front lines of the crisis.

How You Can Help

• Donate: Your gift to the Food Insecurity Fund provides relief for families who are working and still struggling.
• Give Food: Donate non-perishable food at the United Way office to directly support local pantries serving ALICE and SNAP-impacted families.
• Get Help: If you or someone you know needs food assistance, call 211 to connect with local resources.

To make a donation, click here.