CHICAGO - As the government shutdown continues, nearly 2 million Illinoisans will not receive vital benefits through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) next month.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said SNAP benefits would not be distributed in November unless the federal government reopens.

The Greater Chicago Food Depository said this could lead to a "historic, but avoidable, hunger crisis."

Why are SNAP benefits not going out?

The Trump administration told all states that it would not send out payments for food benefits through SNAP starting in November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The suspension of benefits will continue until the federal government takes action. In past shutdowns, Congress has usually fixed the problem

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