Press Releases
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to Partner with Feeding America for Annual Child Support Awareness Drive
"Every year, our team has generously donated school supplies, books, time and money, and this year, the need to help children throughout Illinois is deeper than ever," said Theresa Eagleson, HFS Director. "I'm sure we will step up to this new challenge. Families are struggling like they never have in our lifetimes, and we are here to offer our support."
The department is calling on staff to donate to food banks in their communities. Feeding America, which has a nationwide network of 200 food banks, has created a special online donation tool for the department, which will direct staff contributions to their local food banks. The donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. More information can be found online at: www.feedingamerica.org/csaware.
FOOD BANKS/AD 1
The pandemic has also exacerbated racial inequities in food insecurity. Black and Hispanic households are now about twice as likely as white households to be struggling with food, and nearly four out of ten Black households with children are experiencing difficulties.
Research shows that child support has positive benefits on the cognitive and educational outcomes of children. It accounts for about 16% of the family income. For families whose income is below the poverty level, child support represents about 50% of the family income.
In Illinois, HFS provides child support services to more than 440,000 families. These services range from helping parents establish paternity to establishing a fair child support order and enforcing them when necessary. The services are available to anyone needing them, regardless of economic status.
Illinois encourages parents to apply for the free services offered by HFS. They can be explored at: www.childsupport.illinois.gov.
Press Releases