This month has been a rollercoaster for LINK cards and their users. From a proposed 40 billion dollar cut to the SNAP food stamp program, to a widespread technical problem with the cards earlier this week, uncertainties about the platform are mounting.
As of 2010, 11% of the county's population was on SNAP, which allows them to make shopping trips to grocery stores like this Schnuck's in Urbana.'However in the coming months, they may be making more trips to Champaign's Department of Human Services.'When the government reconvenes, the budget will be hotly debated in the federal Senate.
If the budget does change, this now empty DHS parking lot will start swarming. Stakes are high for all involved with the coming changes. In the mean time, patrons can learn more about LINK card eligibility by visiting DHS online.
Watch this video here.