This week marks the first that individuals in custody in Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) facilities across the state are eligible to submit pre-release Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications. The program, a collaboration between IDOC and Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), began as a pilot at Logan Correctional Center in July 2020 with IDHS Logan County Family Community Resource Center. The goal is to improve access to SNAP benefits for formerly incarcerated individuals upon release who are unlikely to have the resources necessary to ensure food security. To begin the pilot, IDHS requested and received approval from the USDA Food and Nutrition Services for a Prisoner Pre-Release Waiver. From there, IDHS and IDOC staff participated in trainings and worked closely together to roll out this program each step of the way. Within 10 days of release, IDOC staff assist individuals in custody with the completion and submission of a SNAP application. Upon receipt of the application, IDHS conducts a telephone interview with the individual and on the day of release, the application is certified. SNAP benefits are available within two workdays. IDOC staff issue the Link card to the individual upon release. SNAP is a federal nutrition program run by IDHS for people who need help buying food for themselves and their children. SNAP benefits are delivered electronically through the Illinois Link card to help buy food. For more information, visit www.dhs.state.il.us