SNAP (Food Stamps) Application:
mRelief is a non-profit that can help you sign up for food stamps. Find out if you qualify and start your application here.
SNAP Work Requirements Currently Suspended
Under the recent Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) waiver, work requirements are still suspended through 10/31/2023 based on Illinois' high unemployment rate.
- Questions about your individual benefits can be answered by Illinois Department of Human Services by calling 1-800-843-6154.
- Food pantries are an option to supplementing a household’s food budget. Great Chicago Food Depository and Feeding America have a “pantry locator” tool on their websites.
FREE - 2023 Summer Food Service Program – CHA Locations
CHA's Summer Food Service Program provides FREE breakfast and lunch in partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository thanks to grant funding from the Illinois State Board of Education (IBSE) and the USDA.
There is no cost. All summer meals offered through the ISBE/USDA Summer Food Service Program sites are FREE to youth ages 18 and younger and to persons 18 – 21 who have a mental or physical disability. The program typically runs from mid-June through the end of August. Food distribution is handled by CHA residents who are hired as Nutrition Aides through the Transitional Jobs Program, funded by CHA.
Find your nearest 2023 CHA Summer Food Site listed here.
If you are an organization interested in sponsoring a Summer Feeding site in your community, visit the Illinois State Board of Education’s website to apply.
CHA's Golden Diner Partnership with Chicago's Department of Family & Support Services offers healthy meals citywide for Chicago's seniors
Many older adults do not want to eat alone. The Golden Diners Program offers them a way to get a healthy meal each day and enjoy the company of friends. Hot, nutritious lunches are served to older adults (over 60 years of age) at over 55 sites throughout Chicago, including at 19 CHA Senior Buildings. In addition to enjoying a meal with friends and neighbors, seniors can participate in the many activities scheduled at the sites. For instance, health education sessions, exercise classes, and speakers are sometimes offered at sites.
CHA and Catholic Charities Team Up to Provide Seniors with Healthy Food Options:
For the last 15 years, Catholic Charities and CHA have teamed up to bring the Senior Food and Nutrition Program (SFNP) to our residents. The program is designed to improve the health residents over 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with free, nutritious foods. Cooking demonstrations, recipes and nutritional information is available to all participants in addition to health and social service referrals. The SFNP Outreach Program was developed to target and assist elderly residing in senior buildings who have a difficult time obtaining program services during regular operating hours.
Catholic Charities delivers commodities boxes to many CHA senior buildings once a month. Eligible participants must apply annually to receive services from the SFNP. All applicants are required to provide documentation of age, current income and residency to be eligible for the program.