Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program

What Does it Mean?

The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as 'food stamps', is a program managed in Illinois by the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). The DHS provides financial help for the costs of buying food and other nutritional goods.  

Things You Should Know

If you are eligible for SNAP benefits, you are also eligible to receive an Illinois LINK card. DHS will regularly put the money you receive for SNAP on your LINK card, which you can use at eligible stores. Make sure to ask an employee or look for a sign on the store window to make sure you can use your LINK card to buy goods.

Foods and programs covered by SNAP include, but are not limited to the following:

• grains, dairy, fruits, vegetables, meat/fish/poultry, and dairy products
• plants or seeds for the purposes of growing food
• meals-on-wheels; and
• meals at eligible shelters, group homes and rehabilitation facilities

Illinois SNAP eligibility requirements can be found here.