With the costs of essentials such as food and rent going through the roof, many individuals struggle with buying groceries or renting a house or apartment. The application process for assistance programs should not be so difficult, and individuals should not have to choose between buying groceries or paying bills. 

There are programs to help such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Applying for these programs is more trouble than they’re worth. 

An easier application process for food or rent assistance is imperative to helping individuals facing food or rent insecurity. 

The application processes for the programs are extremely difficult and lengthy. There is extensive paperwork, and individuals need to provide lots of information such as their ID, social security number and their paycheck stub, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services. 

Individuals should not have to essentially give their lives away just to receive assistance.

The requirements individuals have to meet to even receive SNAP benefits are asinine. Individuals ages 18 to 52 who are able to work have to work 80 hours a month in order to even qualify. If the individuals applying for benefits work 80 hours a month, they would most likely have the money to purchase food and not need some of the benefits. 

The 80 hours a month work requirement unfairly excludes college students who may not be able to work this much due to school. College students tend to be low-income and don’t have time to work 80 hours a month. 

The rising costs of food and rent can contribute to financial strain where individuals can’t afford the basic necessities.

There are some local initiatives that individuals can take advantage of such as the Community Health Education and Food complex through the DeKalb County Community Gardens. The purpose of the CHEF complex is to act as a food pantry where members of the public who are struggling can go to get food. 

Food pantries are a beneficial way for individuals to get food. However, food pantries give away the items that get donated to them, which are mostly canned. 

While having canned foods is beneficial, individuals need protein and other types of food. With the CHEF complex, individuals will be able to get fresh produce and have a space to prepare their own food.

The government needs to do a better job of making the application process for financial assistance, food assistance or rent assistance easier. By supporting individuals who are facing food insecurity, society can help mitigate the effects of food insecurity.