Illinois launches new program to provide food benefits to people who lost SNAP

Program established in budget is in response to federal reductions

By BEN SZALINSKI
Capitol News Illinois
bszalinski@capitolnewsillinois.com

Article Summary

  • Households that lost SNAP eligibility in recent months will become eligible for a one-time $400 payment from the state beginning Aug. 1.

  • State lawmakers appropriated $70 million in the fiscal year 2027 budget to create the FRESH program.

  • About 150,000 Illinoisians were expected to lose SNAP benefits beginning May 1 because of new work requirements for the program established by Congress.

This summary was written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story. 

A new state program took effect Saturday to provide food benefits to people who have recently become ineligible because of federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. 

The Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger, or FRESH, program kicked off Aug. 1 after state lawmakers appropriated $70 million in the fiscal year 2027 budget to establish a state food assistance program. The initiative allows households that lost their SNAP benefits earlier this year to receive a $400 one-time payment.

“At a time when the cost of groceries, gas, and utilities are all rising, Donald Trump and Republicans decided to strip food assistance from nearly 100,000 people,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement. “In Illinois, we passed the FRESH program to help provide some relief for families kicked off food assistance, but no state can backfill the cruel and imminent cuts set in motion by Trump’s budget bill.”

About 150,000 Illinoisians were expected to lose food assistance benefits beginning May 1 after new work requirements established by Congress went into effect. About 1.5 million Illinoisians received SNAP benefits in June, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services. That includes 830,342 households. The number of beneficiaries in June was down 134,734 people compared to April.

Eligible households are those that lost benefits because of the federal changes and are automatically enrolled in the FRESH program. Recipients will receive the one-time payment to their Illinois Link card to use on food. 

People who lose SNAP coverage in the coming months will also receive payments until funding for the program runs out. 

Other financial impacts

The budget also included $55 million to hire 450 Department of Human Services employees, including staff to update state systems to comply with federal changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility.

Illinois, and most other states, are set to be on the hook for higher costs in the coming years because of the changes Congress made. 

Read more: Illinois food assistance error rate continues to grow as federal penalties loom 

Beginning in in October 2027, states will cover half of administrative costs for the program and many states will begin covering a portion of SNAP benefits. States with an error rate greater than 10% will have to cover 15% of the cost of benefits starting in fiscal year 2029. 

Illinois’ error rate was 14.7% in federal fiscal year 2025, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That was up from 11.6% the year before. 

Illinois will have another year to produce a lower error rate, giving the state more time to rectify problems. As of now, the state could be on the hook for $700 million in new SNAP costs by the end of 2028 if nothing changes. 

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.


Carmel woman arrested for misuse of 911 services

On July 30, 2026, at 3:10 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch sent Deputy Wes Baumgart to the area of Faulkner Chevrolet located at 2843 West State Road 64 to speak with 32-year-old Jamericah Odum who requested a ride to Toyota.  Upon locating Ms. Odum Deputy Baumgart suggested that she contact a ride service provider such as Lyft to transport her down there and went back in service. 
 
Ms. Odum called 911 multiple times and was told each time if it was not an emergency to call the non emergency number.  After the third time Deputies went back to Ms. Odum and placed her into custody and transported her to the Gibson County Detention Center where she was charged with Unlawful Use of 911 Service and Resisting Law Enforcement.
 
Deputies Wyatt Hunt, Eric Powell, and Aubrey McNeely assisted Deputy Baumgart in his investigation. 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Accident leads to DUI arrest of Albion Woman

On July 29, 2026, at 8:22 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a accident with injuries on State Road 65 near Mill Street in Owensville.  While enroute to the single vehicle crash dispatch advised that the driver’s was possibly intoxicated. 
 
Upon arriving on scene Deputies began an accident investigation where they spoke with multiple witnesses and emergency service personnel.  Deputy Wyatt Hunt spoke to 25-year-old Jaxyn Newkirk of Albion, Illinois and detected multiple clues that the driver was under the influence.  At that point Deputy Hunt began a roadside DUI investigation that resulted in Ms. Newkirk being taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center where she was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. 
 
Deputy Hunt was assisted in his investigation by deputies Eric Powell, Aubrey McNeely, Wes Baumgart, and Sgt. Loren Barchett.
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Gochenour Named To 4-H Hall Of Fame

Illinois Extension Announces Local 4-H Hall of Fame Inductees

ALBION, Ill. – Illinois Extension serving Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, and Wayne counties is proud to announce the five-county unit’s 2026 inductees to the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame.

 Counties are welcome to nominate individuals, couples, or family duos who meet the award criteria annually, but are not required to do so. The following inductees were selected for their outstanding contributions to their county 4-H programs:

 Richard Gochenour, Wabash County: Gochenour has been instrumental in building, updating, and maintaining the horse arena at the Wabash County fairgrounds. Over the years, he’s helped install drainage tile and a new announcer’s booth to make the space more functional for 4-H and Junior Fair horse events. “I volunteer because I care about our community and the traditions that bring people together,” shared Gochenour.

 Deb Weger, Lawrence County: Over the last 28 years, Deb Weger has served as the Russell Community 4-H Club leader. For decades, she’s not only supported 4-H members with general projects and livestock shows, but also ensured they understand the importance of leadership and community service. “She constantly encourages her kids to do their very best, reminding them that effort and heart matter just as much as the ribbon,” said Maisie McClure, Lawrence County 4-H program coordinator.

 Lora Kocher, Richland County: Kocher is a former 4-H member and a third-generation club leader. She is very involved in her community and has a full-time career, yet still finds time to volunteer as the Country Clovers club leader for nine years and counting. Those who have worked with her note that she is passionate about 4-H, dependable, and always willing to help.

 Shannon and Travis Mix, Wayne County: This duo spent nine years leading the 4-H Country Club before retiring as leaders in 2025. Their passion for supporting 4-H members and leadership through example shone through during their time as volunteers. “Their service has strengthened our program, expanded opportunities for youth, and fostered a positive, welcoming 4‑H community,” said Ryan Littlejohn, Wayne County 4-H program coordinator.

 Inductees will be recognized at a ceremony during their county exhibit day at the Illinois State Fair on Aug. 15, in Springfield. To learn more about the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame inductees, past and present, visit 4h.extension.illinois.edu/awards/4-h-hall-fame.

District #348 Board Approves Fees for New School Year

The Wabash Community Unit School District #348 Board of Education has approved student fees for the upcoming school year, including modest increases for school meals and student parking permits.

Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer said breakfast and lunch prices are adjusted to comply with state and federal requirements.

Bleyer explained the district does not set meal prices arbitrarily. Instead, Illinois and federal guidelines require districts to maintain minimum price levels. He said District #348 has traditionally remained near the minimum allowed, resulting in periodic increases of about 10 cents to keep pace with the required formula.

Bleyer said failing to meet the required pricing could result in federal penalties that would force the district to subsidize the meal program with local taxpayer dollars.

The board also approved a $5 increase in the annual student parking permit, raising the cost from $15 to $20.

Bleyer said the fee had remained unchanged throughout his tenure as superintendent despite rising costs to maintain and repaint student parking lots. He noted that a reserved parking space for the entire school year is still a good value at $20.

Junior/Senior High School Principal Amy Duckworth told the board the campus has enough parking for students, with only about 20 spaces typically remaining open by the end of the school year. She said the senior parking lot near the main gym fills first, followed by other paved lots, while the gravel lot is generally the least popular.

Bleyer also noted the district will continue not charging registration fees and the driver's education fee remains unchanged at $75 for students.

He reminded families that students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals are encouraged to complete the required application, adding that the process is handled confidentially.

**Story has been updated to reflect there is still a Driver’s Ed fee of $75.**

City Council Hears Details Of Property Dispute

A dispute involving a mobile home at 330 McDowell Street was brought before the Mount Carmel City Council as residents Chris Lewis and his family sought additional time and assistance to resolve zoning and ownership issues that have left them unable to obtain water service.

Lewis told the council he recently purchased the mobile home and transferred the title into his name, but said he was unaware a special permit was required for the property. He said he and his family believed they were following the proper procedures and asked the city for additional time to work through the process.

City Clerk Ryan Turner explained the issue involves the fact that Lewis owns the mobile home but not the land on which it sits. Turner said city records show the person collecting lot rent is not listed as the property's legal owner, and the individual shown on the deed is deceased. He said city ordinances currently prohibit water service from being turned on under those circumstances.

Turner also told the council he has been in contact with the individual collecting rent and said the situation appears to be part of a pattern involving the property. He added that the city recently received correspondence from that individual seeking both rent payments and eviction.

Lewis told council members he and his family have faced financial hardship and were simply trying to establish a permanent residence so he could return to work. He said they were unaware of the legal complications involving the property and felt they had been misled during the purchase process.

Following discussion, Turner said he will consult with the city's attorney to determine what legal options, if any, are available. No action was taken by the council Monday, and the matter remains under review.

Indianapolis man arrested for theft of dog

On July 29, 2026, at 9:33 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a dog stolen from a vehicle at Pilot Travel Center located at 1042 East Warrenton Road near Haubstadt.  Sergeant Loren Barchett arrived on scene and spoke with the victims who stated they were in the parking lot talking to a man who identified himself as Gregory Morton.  The victims went in the convenience store and upon exiting they discovered their Mastiff was missing from their vehicle and the Red Kia Rio that Mr. Morton was driving was also gone from premises.  At that point Sgt. Barchett began canvasing the area looking for the Mastiff and the Red Kia Rio.  After a brief investigation Sgt. Barchett was contacted by a Vanderburgh County Deputy who had located the vehicle and the dog with the assistance of the victims at the Clarion Pointe located approximately 8 miles south of the Pilot.  After a brief investigation 51-year-old Gregory Morton of Indianapolis was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center where he was charged with Theft. 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Pritzker signs school cellphone ban to avoid student distractions

New law restricts use of all electronic communication devices, with some exceptions

By PETER HANCOCK
Capitol News Illinois
phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com

Article Summary

  • A new law requires all districts to have policies banning cellphone use during school time in place before the 2027-2028 school year.

  • The law requires districts to make exceptions for students who need those devices for medical reasons, special education or certain other purposes.

  • Districts will not be allowed to enforce the policies by issuing fines, fees, suspensions or expulsions.

This summary was written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story.  

Students in all Illinois public schools will soon have to abide by rules barring them from using cellphones or other personal electronic communication devices during school hours unless they have been given specific permission to use them.

Although many districts already have similar policies in place, Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation Tuesday that will require all districts to have “bell-to-bell” device bans in place before the start of the 2027-2028 school year.

The goal, Pritzker said, is to eliminate the distractions that cellphones and other devices can create so students and teachers can focus their attention on learning.

“We want to make sure that every hour of school time can have the greatest possible positive impact,” Pritzker said at a bill signing ceremony at Elgin High School. “We're allowing every child to fully learn, participate, ask questions, and build the skills and interpersonal relationships that they need to thrive.”

Senate Bill 2427 requires districts to adopt policies that broadly restrict the use of “wireless communication devices” during school hours. Those include cellphones, laptops, tablets, gaming devices and “wearable” devices such as smartwatches. But they do not include devices that schools or teachers issue to students for educational purposes.

The law requires districts to make exceptions for devices that are needed for medical reasons, for special education purposes or for language translation if a student is an English language learner. Districts may also make exceptions on a case-by-case basis for students who are also caregivers for family members at home.

It also permits districts to exclude a high school student’s lunch and passing periods from the definition of “school time.”

The law also prohibits schools from using fines, fees, suspensions or expulsions to enforce the policies unless a student uses a regulated device to engage in some other type of gross disobedience or misconduct that would warrant such discipline.

“The reason we made the difference in high school is because you have a lot of students who do dual (high school and college) credit,” Sen. Cristina Castro, D-Elgin, the lead Senate sponsor of the bill, said during the ceremony. “Sometimes (they) go part of the day and then go to work. And also, you're giving them a little bit more responsibility.”

Suzanne Johnson, superintendent of the U-46 School District in Elgin, said her district implemented a cellphone ban last year. She said it requires elementary school students to leave their devices at home while middle school students have to place them in foam pouches during the school day and high school students are not allowed to use them during instructional time.

“While we did this to help students stay more focused in the classroom, we were pleased to see all the other benefits that followed,” she said. “While at first our students were probably hesitant and maybe not so pleased, they quickly adjusted to the new learning environment, and without the distraction of cellphones, students were more engaged, built stronger connections with one another, and once again, laughter and chatter filled our hallways, our cafeterias, and our classrooms.”

The law requires school districts to review their policies at least once every three years and to consult with teachers unions, administrators, parents and community members in making revisions.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.