The number of food stamp recipients fell over two years at 54 of 66 Illinois welfare offices analyzed by Prairie State Wire.
In all, 156,653 people left food stamp rolls in Illinois counties from January 2015 to January 2017, according to data obtained from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. Requested in November, the information was made available in January.
Illinois welfare offices are operated by the Illinois Department of Human Services, formerly known as the Illinois Department of Public Aid.
The 7.7 percent reduction statewide saves taxpayers nearly $30 million.
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