Warehouse Hours
Monday – Thursday: 7am - 4:00pm
Friday: 7 am – 12:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Eastern Illinois Foodbank is a
501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

SNAP: Myths & Facts

MYTH: Some people only receive $16 a month in Link benefits.
FACT: While some households receive $16, the average monthly benefit was about $101 per person and about $227 per household. (Fiscal year 2008, U.S. Department of Agriculture.)

MYTH: Because I have a job, I do not qualify for the Link Card.
FACT: Link/SNAP eligibility is based on your income, NOT your employment status (see income guidelines above). Nearly half of the households that receive Link benefits are working households.

MYTH: Only U.S. citizens can receive Link.
FACT: Persons who have held a green card for five years or more can apply for food stamps. If this does not apply to you but your children are U.S. citizens, you can apply on their behalf and choose not to declare your own status.

MYTH: If I have a Link Card, I can no longer receive assistance from local food pantries.
FACT: Pantries will continue to provide food assistance to all clients including those who get SNAP benefits. Pantries may ask if you receive food stamps to ensure families are getting the food they need.

MYTH: I am not eligible because I own a car.
FACT: You can own a vehicle and still be eligible if any of these conditions apply: 

  • not in your name
  • worth less than $1500
  • necessary for employment
  • needed for transportation for medical purposes
  • modified for a handicapped person
  • needed for essential daily activities that cannot be completed without the vehicle


MYTH: They denied my Link application once before, so I won’t get it now either.
FACT: If your situation has changed, such as your income or the number of people in your household, you may now qualify for Link.

MYTH: I am not eligible because I am receiving other government assistance already.
FACT: You may still be able to receive food stamps even if you are receiving other benefits such as TANF, SSI, Social Security, and others.

MYTH: I cannot receive food stamps, because my TANF/cash time limit has run out.
FACT: TANF and Link are separate programs.  You can still receive food stamps even when you can no longer receive TANF.

MYTH: Foster Parents cannot receive food stamps.
FACT: If income eligible, foster parents can receive food stamps.