Food Stamp Leavers in Illinois: How Are They Doing Two Years Later?

In light of sharp declines in the Food Stamp Program caseload, examines the well-being of those who have left the program. Notes that about half of those who exited in 1997 were employed two years later, while more than half had incomes below the poverty line. Also notes food insecurity with hunger evident among one-fourth of leavers. Able-bodied adults without dependents were more likely than other leavers to face serious hardships, such as extreme poverty, severe hunger, homelessness, and lack of health insurance. Similarly, those who left the program because of sanctions also experienced severe (and multiple) hardships.