SNAP recipients struggling with a federal change in benefit requirements may have received a temporary lifeline in Illinois. Since May, 148,000 people already lost their SNAP benefits, according to Perry. According to IDHS, the FRESH Program “…gives a one-time [$400] cash payment to people whose SNAP benefits were reduced or stopped because they did not meet the federal SNAP work requirement.” The FRESH Program is only available in Illinois. 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.