As millions of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients have their benefits interrupted as of Saturday, and federal workers continue to miss pay as the federal government remains closed, demand at food pantries – including locally in the north suburbs – has burgeoned.

“With SNAP benefits set to expire, we anticipate the need will grow significantly. We will continue to do everything in our power to share hope and bridge the gap for families who may have to find ways to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads without the critical assistance of SNAP benefits,” Brian Duewel, spokesman for The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division, told Pioneer Press ahead of the SNAP pause.

Duewel said that in many of the communities his organization serves, food dema

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