Scherer Introduces Bill to Help Feed Foster Children

DECATUR, Ill. – In continuation of her support for children in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services, state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, introduced legislation that would expand public food assistance to foster families in Illinois, regardless of income.

“Being a foster family is challenging, and these families deserve our full support as they take care of our state’s most vulnerable children,” said Scherer. “Providing them with food assistance is a commonsense way to make sure foster children are adequately fed so they can learn, grow and live healthy lives.”

Currently, foster care children and adults are considered boarders and cannot receive food assistance separately from the household providing foster care, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services. House Bill 5767 would make it so that all foster families would automatically qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits regardless of income, subject to federal approval if required.

“I care deeply about the safety and wellbeing of Illinois’ children and I will always advocate for their best interest. This bill is an integral step in ensuring that foster children have the nutrition they need and deserve,” Scherer said. “I am hopeful that access to these benefits will encourage more families to become foster families and help children across Illinois.”