Resources from the Illinois Hunger Coalition Hotline.
Advocating for residents, and providing referrals to assistance programs, the Illinois Hunger Coalition is a leading organization that families turn to for help. The non-profit partners with a number of groups, both private and public, to coordinate resources around hunger prevention. One of the key services available to the public is their hotline (phone number below), which provides individuals with information on programs that are local to them, including pantries, soup kitchens, Feeding America resources and more.
The Illinois Hunger Coalition can also provide information on all of the state and federal government benefits, ranging from SNAP food stamps to free lunches or breakfasts for students, surplus USDA commodities and more. Representatives at the hotline can direct families to applications for these programs, and also answer questions they may have.
While short term, emergency needs may be met by a local food pantry, more long term solutions will often include social services such as job training as well as public assistance in Illinois including SNAP. The representatives from the Illinois Coalition Hotline can help guide individuals down this path.
Services provided by the Illinois Hunger Hotline
Anyone seeking help or information, regardless of income, can dial the coalition. Some of what can be obtained is below, and all of the information is free and there is no cost to call the number or use the service. The state from the Hunger Hotline will assist callers with the following, and more.
- Receive information on applications for SNAP Food Stamps, Cash Assistance, WIC, Medicaid and other state of Illinois and federal income support programs.
- The help line will provide locations and referrals to soup kitchens and food banks.
- An assessment will occur for other benefits, such as Women, Infant & Children’s Program (WIC), Summer Food Service Program, or day care.
- Receive help, and get questions answered, on completing application for those benefits, including KidCare or SNAP.
Another service from the Illinois Hunger Coalition is on assisting applicants that have had their application rejected, sometimes unfairly. If a person or family is having problems with obtaining food stamps, a Medical or Link Card, or other benefits such as SSI, the coalition may be able to help. Or if the Illinois Department of Human Services is not responding to your inquiries, this can be addressed to. Or they help when SNAP food stamp benefits have been denied or reduced. A goal of theirs is to advocate to ensure people get all the benefits they are entitled too.
If needed, the coalition will partner with other groups in Illinois to ensure residents are treated fairly and not discriminated against when it comes to obtaining benefits. They can involve pro-bono legal aid if needed, or partner with other groups such as the Salvation Army or United Way on any programs administered.
After all, the main goal of the Illinois Hunger Coalition as well as many others is to ensure families, especially low income ones with children or senior members, do not go hungry. The non-profit wants individuals to be able to get the food and meals they need to make it through a hardship, and also obtain long term support to address the cause of the hardship.
When seeking advice for specific questions from the coalition, be prepared with documentation. Callers need to have a State ID card or Driver’s license, copy of Birth certificate, proof of income, Social Security Card, and more. They also need copies of expenses, such as lease, copy of mortgage paperwork, utility bills, and more.
Contact information for Illinois Hunger Hotline
For questions, or to get assistance with any of the needs referenced above, call the free Illinois Hunger Coalition's Hunger Hotline. It is open Monday through Friday, and the number is 1-800-359-2163. While the main office is in Chicago Illinois, resident need to call the toll free number for any support they need.
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