Illinois One-Time SNAP Replacement Program Starts Operation

Illinois is sending one-time $400 payments to residents who lost federal SNAP benefits earlier this year. The program, called Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger, or FRESH, was signed into law in the spring and funded through the state’s fiscal year 2027 budget. State officials say the $70 million taxpayer-funded effort is expected to reach about 100,000 residents, with payments beginning Saturday. Eligibility is limited to households removed from SNAP between May and August, when new federal work and eligibility requirements took effect. The state says the payments are meant to help families facing sudden food assistance gaps.