Illinois Launches New Hunger Relief Grants After Federal Food Program Cuts

As demand for food assistance grows due to rising costs and federal funding cuts, a new program is being launched in Illinois to offer grants to volunteer-run food and soup kitchens across the state.

New Funding Targets Small Volunteer Food Pantries

A new grant program for volunteer organizations fighting hunger across the state has been announced by Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, as food insecurity continues to impact families across the state.

The new Charitable Trust Hunger Relief Grant Program will provide awards of up to $5,000 to small food pantries, soup kitchens, and similar nonprofit organizations that operate without full-time employees.

The initiative comes as many local organizations have been reporting a growing demand for food assistance as grocery costs rise and funding for federal food assistance programs is reduced.

Federal Cuts Prompt State Response

Frerichs said the program was created after federal funding reductions affected critical food assistance efforts, including SNAP-related programs and initiatives that connected Illinois farmers with food pantries and Meals on Wheels providers.

Hunger and food insecurity is a hidden epidemic afflicting children who cannot ask for help and adults who find it difficult to ask for help as they juggle two or more jobs. Small, local food pantries and soup kitchens are prepared to help these innocent lives because they see those suffering in the shadows. -Michael Frerichs, Illinois State Treasurer

According to the hunger-relief organization Feeding America, one in eight Illinois residents experiences hunger, while one in six children in the state faces food insecurity. The organization also reports that 38 percent of Illinois households receiving SNAP benefits include children.

Application Window Open Through July 31

The Hunger Relief Grant Program is specifically aimed at smaller volunteer-driven organizations that previously did not qualify for assistance through the Illinois Treasurer's Charitable Trust Program because they lacked a full-time employee. Eligible nonprofits can apply through July 31.

The Treasurer's Office also noted that grant funding comes from nonprofit incorporation filing fees collected by the state, not from personal or property taxes.