CHICAGO — Local businesses and programs are offering some relief to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit recipients who have had their benefits halted due to the ongoing government shutdown.

Forty-two million Americans rely on SNAP benefits, two million of those in Illinois.

Manny's Deli, located at 1141 South Jefferson Street in the West Loop, is the latest Chicago restaurant offering to help people who've lost their SNAP benefits. Beginning Monday, Manny's Deli will offer free meals to anyone who presents a SNAP card. Families can choose to dine in or take their meal to go.

Meanwhile, what happens next with SNAP is uncertain. Even if some funding is restored, there will likely be delays for people who rely on the program.

SNAP funding dried up Saturday due to the

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