City Colleges’ Guide to Food Access and New SNAP Requirements

City Colleges of Chicago is committed to supporting student well-being—inside and outside the classroom. As the need to access affordable food grows and as federal rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) change, we want to make sure students, faculty, and staff have the information they need to stay supported.
Below is an overview of the upcoming SNAP policy change, food resources available at each of our colleges and around the city, where to find help navigating exemptions, and service opportunities.

SNAP Work Requirement Changes Start December 1, 2025

Beginning December 1, 2025, many adults ages 18–64 who do not have dependents under the age of 14 will face new federal requirements to continue receiving SNAP benefits. These include work or volunteer requirements and monthly reporting of hours to maintain eligibility.

Some adults may qualify for exemptions. If you believe you might be exempt, you can:

• Use the ABE Manage My Case portal to manage your benefits.
• Call the Illinois Department of Human Services at 1-800-843-6154.
• Complete the SNAP Work Rules – Request for Exemption form.

If you need volunteer hours to meet the new requirements, City Colleges can help. Our AmeriCorps VISTA Members Daya Stanley (dstanley8@ccc.edu) and Tanisha Garth (tgarth@ccc.edu) can connect City Colleges community members to volunteer opportunities that meet SNAP requirements.

Food Access at All Seven City Colleges

There is a food pantry at every college and students are encouraged to use them as needed. Contact your college’s Wellness Center for questions, hours, locations, and additional resources.

City Colleges has also recently expanded its partnership the Greater Chicago Food Depository to launch its Food Security for Life Initiative. This program:

• Launched free grab-and-go snacks at every college.
• Made ready-to-take-home meals available at Malcolm X, Kennedy-King, and Olive-Harvey Colleges. They will eventually be available at all seven colleges.
• In January 2026, the first expanded market will open at Kennedy-King with longer hours, groceries, and take-home meals designed to support student households. These markets will eventually open at all seven colleges.

Additional Resources

• Use the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s Find Food Tool to find food near you.
• To find meals near you and for information about other assistance programs, call the Illinois Hunger Coalition’s Hunger Hotline at 1-800-359-2163.
• Visit the Illinois Department of Human Services’ (IDHS) website for full program rules.
• Call 1-800-843-6154 to enroll in IDHS text alerts to receive updates about SNAP and other benefits.

City Colleges understands that food security is essential to student success. Whether you need help meeting SNAP reporting requirements, connecting with volunteer opportunities, or accessing food on campus, support is available.
Your success matters—and you don’t have to navigate these changes alone.