CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Some pandemic stimulus benefits provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) are set to expire Dec. 31, including unemployment benefits and renter’s protection.
It will undoubtedly force many Illinois residents to choose between paying for rent, healthcare, or food.
“It’s projected right now, across Northern Illinois Food Bank’s 13 county service area, that we’re going to see one in nine people facing food insecurity, one in six of which are children,” said Julia Lemp, a member of the Northern Illinois Food Bank Advocacy Team.
For those whose benefits are ending, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is available as an alternative.
Northern Illinois Food Bank has a team of outreach and SNAP individuals who are able to assist in navigating the application process.
However, Lemp told WBBM Newsradio it won’t necessarily be a smooth transition.
“To help our neighbors apply for SNAP, we look at their previous month’s income. So when unemployment benefits run out, essentially our neighbors are going to have to wait a month in order to apply for SNAP in order to get SNAP benefits,” she said.
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That means there’s going to be a month-long gap where Illinois residents are not getting unemployment benefits, but they’re also ineligible to receive SNAP benefits.
The Northern Illinois Food Bank operates over 900 food pantries, soup kitchens, and service centers to help in the interim.
“We want neighbors to come to our pop up distributions, our mobile pantries, our ‘My Pantry Express’ programs so that they don’t have to make these tough choices between paying for rent or paying for food," Lemp said.
Those interested in applying for SNAP benefits can visit solvehungertoday.org/snap or call (844) 600-SNAP.