LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY

Technology should be leveraged to make it easier to enroll — and stay enrolled — in nutrition assistance programs.

Technology has the power to transform the way we interact with the world, and that power should be leveraged to better facilitate and maintain enrollment in nutrition assistance programs

 

Accessing and understanding technology tools have moved beyond the “nice to have” category and now sit squarely in the “must have” column.  

The Technology Working Group is working to identify and advance opportunities to leverage technology to make it easier for individuals to enroll in — and stay enrolled in — nutrition programs. While the potential for technology to improve program delivery is not limited to the list below, below are important recommendations to get started.

 

WORK GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Recognizing that low-income households are less likely to have a home computer and home internet, make the online SNAP application and case management websites user friendly from a mobile device

  • Establish a statewide online school meals application for free and reduced-price school meals to provide an alternative way for families to enroll in breakfast and lunch

  • Launch an afterschool meals texting program so families can locate nearby program sites

 

PROGRESS

  • IDHS has taken first steps toward making the SNAP application and case management website mobile friendly. To further support department efforts to improve the usability of online platforms, the Working Group has contracted with a consultant to assist with usability testing of IES and Manage My Case. Learnings from usability testing will help inform the Department’s efforts to make accessing ABE a more user-friendly and accessible process for benefit recipients.

  • The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) received federal funding to create a statewide online school meals application, which will streamline the application process ensuring easier application and processing for families and administrators.

  • The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) will begin using text and email to communicate with SNAP clients in 2022, creating greater reach to improving communication with participants and increasing the likelihood of participants meeting important deadlines to maintain enrollment in nutrition benefits.

 

Technology Work Group

  • Audra Wilson*
    Shriver Center

    Tom Browning*
    Illinois Action for Children

    Diane Doherty
    IL Hunger Coalition

    Carolyn Ross
    AllChicago

    John Herring
    Network of Centers for Independent Living

    Representative Lisa Hernandez
    Illinois General Assembly

    Josh Gibb
    Galesburg Community Foundation

    Olga Medina
    IL Hunger Coalition

    Beth Beachy
    Illinois Action for Children

    Andie Baker
    EverThrive

    Willie Gunther
    IL Assistive Technology Project

    Susan Stanton
    Afterschool for Children and Teens Now (ACT Now) Coalition

    Kim Drew
    Heartland Alliance

    Cory Blissett
    Illinois Department of Human Services

    Bryan Finn
    Illinois Department of Human Services

    Jamie McCoy
    Illinois Department of Human Services

    Angie Imhoff
    Illinois Department of Human Services

    Stephanie Bess
    Illinois Department of Human Services

    Sophie Milam
    Greater Chicago Food Depository

    Kelsie Kilner
    Greater Chicago Food Depository

    Christina Obregon
    Greater Chicago Food Depository

    Roxanne Ramage
    Illinois State Board of Education

    Megan Kuchar
    Illinois State Board of Education

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

From Food Insecurity to Food Equity, A Roadmap to End Hunger in Illinois

 

FROM FOOD INSECURITY
TO FOOD EQUITY:

A Roadmap to End Hunger in Illinois

An action plan to make meaningful progress against hunger by better connecting people to food programs and promoting equitable access to food.