ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — New data from the Illinois Department of Human Services shows tens of thousands of residents across northern Illinois continue to rely on food assistance, with Winnebago County standing out from neighboring counties in both northern and suburban parts of the state.
According to IDHS’ February 2026 “SNAP Data by Servicing Office” report, 32,855 households in Winnebago County received SNAP benefits, representing 63,928 people. That is one of the largest SNAP caseloads of any county outside Cook County.
Winnebago outpaces nearby northern Illinois counties
While Winnebago County is geographically part of northern Illinois, its SNAP participation rates far exceed those of nearby counties that are more closely tied to the Chicago suburban economy.
By comparison:
- McHenry County recorded 9,448 households and 17,494 people receiving SNAP benefits
- DeKalb County reported 5,873 households and 11,419 people
- Kane County’s Aurora and Elgin offices combined served roughly 35,000 households, but those numbers are spread across a much larger population base
In contrast, Winnebago’s SNAP caseload rivals counties like Will, Peoria, and Sangamon, underscoring the economic differences between Rockford and surrounding suburban communities.
Surrounding rural counties show steady need
Other northern Illinois counties show smaller but still significant reliance on food assistance:
- Ogle County: 4,523 households, 8,285 people
- Stephenson County (including Jo Daviess): 4,749 households, 8,984 people
- Lee County (reported under Whiteside County FCRC): 5,018 households, 9,415 people
While their raw numbers are lower than Winnebago’s, these counties continue to show persistent food insecurity, particularly in rural communities with aging populations and limited access to higher‑wage job centers.
Statewide SNAP picture
Statewide, Illinois reported:
- 938,338 SNAP households
- 1.69 million people receiving benefits
Cook County accounts for nearly half of all SNAP households, but non‑Cook counties collectively serve slightly more recipients, meaning changes to SNAP eligibility or funding would have major implications outside Chicago as well…