One in every four people in Cook County are experiencing food insecurity, according to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Since May, 148,000 people already lost their SNAP benefits, according to Perry. Previously, Illinois SNAP recipients were exempt from work requirements due to the state’s high unemployment rate, Perry explained. If you’re having trouble navigating your SNAP benefits and you’d like help with the process, the Greater Chicago Food Depository offers free help to the community. You can call the Food Depository Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 773- 247-3663.