Food Stamp Enrollment Reaches Record High in Illinois

WSIL -- New data shows a spike in the number of food stamp applications in Illinois. According to the Department of Human Services, an additional 37,500 people signed up for food stamps last month. That means nearly one in four households in Illinois now rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. 

Last year, an additional 60,000 Illinoisans were added to the food stamp rolls, including thousands of people in southern Illinois. It's a trend that can be seen at local food banks.  

 

"We will always have a percentage that live in that gap," said JR Russell with the Marion Ministerial Alliance.      

 

The Williamson County food pantry serves about 400 families, many of which are also on food stamps.  

 

"We actually have seen a significant increase of our clients, percentage wise, that participate in that program," explained Russell. 

 

In 2014, Williamson County added nearly 400 people to the SNAP program. Saline County added more than 2,000 people.  

     

"We've been trending up since the recession ended," said Michael Lucci with the Illinois Policy Institute. "And that's what's a little bit startling."

 

He says the problem can be linked to a lack of jobs.  

 

"If people can't find a job, then they are going to end up on the food stamp rolls," said Lucci. "Not because they want to be, but because they have to put food on the table." 

 

Last year, twice as many people went on food stamps compared to those who found new jobs.  

 

"People are  fleeing the state to find opportunities," said Lucci. "The ones who don't leave the state are ending up dependent on the government." 

 

In the last five years, Illinois has seen an increase of more than 400,000 people in need of food stamps. In Illinois, Alexander and Pulaski Counties have the highest percentage of people on food stamps, at just under 50 percent.  

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