SPRINGFIELD — Despite dedicating their time and safety to serve our country, over 11% of veterans face food insecurity in the U.S. — an issue State Senator Julie Morrison looks to remedy through legislation that will help more Illinois military families access food benefits.

“I’ve seen veterans in my district who are forced to rely on food pantries because their household doesn’t qualify for SNAP benefits,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Veterans served our state and our nation — they should be able to access the resources they need to live comfortably.”

Morrison’s measure, Senate Bill 32, would raise the income level at which households with a veteran or member of the Armed Forces would be eligible for benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Under current law, households without seniors or individuals with disabilities must have a gross income at or below 165% of the federal poverty guidelines — for a family of four, this would be a monthly income limit of $4,290 for Fiscal Year 2025. Senate Bill 32 proposes raising this threshold to 200% of the poverty level for veterans and military families, which would bring the monthly income limit to $5,200.

SNAP operates as a federal-state partnership, allowing Illinois to set additional rules or expand eligibility with federal approval. By raising the income cap, the bill would leverage federal funding — at no added cost to the state — to help more military families qualify for food assistance.

Senate Bill 32 passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Tuesday and moves to the Senate for further consideration.