Illinois: Local Impact
Hunger Statistics in Illinois:
Hunger affects communities across Illinois, touching people of all ages, backgrounds, and zip codes. T
According to this latest data, 13.1% of Illinoisans—about one in eight people—experienced food insecurity, while 16.1% of children lacked reliable access to enough food. (Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap 2025, based on 2023 estimates.)
That child food insecurity rate represents an estimated 438,606 Illinois kids (16.1% of the 2023 child population)—enough to fill Soldier Field (62,500 seats) about seven times.
More than 1.6 million people across Illinois face hunger. This challenge exists in every county, affecting urban, suburban, and rural communities alike.
Many households experiencing food insecurity earn too much to qualify for federal nutrition programs and instead rely on Illinois food banks and their network of local partner agencies to meet basic food needs.
Partner Stories
Greater Chicago Food Depository
Our funding helped strengthen the Food Depository’s ability to address hunger not only as an immediate need, but as a systems‑level challenge requiring coordinated, neighbor‑centered solutions. Through its network of more than 850 partners, the Food Depository continues to distribute millions of pounds of food, ensuring families across the region have consistent access to nutritious meals. At the same time, our investment supports efforts that go beyond food distribution—helping neighbors navigate public benefits, access job pathways, and build greater economic stability.
Just as importantly, our support advances policy and systems change that protect communities from food insecurity over the long term. By investing in advocacy, workforce capacity, and infrastructure, this grant helps the Food Depository strengthen nutrition assistance programs and promote equitable access to healthy food. Together, we are proud to support a comprehensive approach—one that meets urgent needs today while building the conditions for lasting progress toward ending hunger.
Beyond Hunger
Our funding helped Beyond Hunger connect neighbors to critical SNAP benefits in ways that are personal, culturally responsive, and life‑changing. Through this support, Maria—a Spanish‑speaking mother who had spent years relying on credit cards to afford groceries—was able to enroll in SNAP with the help of a trusted Benefits Services Coordinator who spoke her language and understood her experience. That trust mattered. With consistent, compassionate guidance, Maria not only accessed benefits but felt supported enough to return and stay engaged in the process.
Since receiving SNAP, Maria has begun paying down the debt she accumulated simply trying to meet her family’s basic needs. This is the impact of investing in people‑centered systems: reduced financial strain, restored stability, and renewed confidence. Our funding helps ensure Beyond Hunger can continue providing accessible, linguistically appropriate support—so more families can move from crisis toward security with dignity and hope.
