As we enter the 35th day of the government shutdown, SNAP benefits have lapsed, leaving 1.9 million Illinois residents in food insecurity. With nearly half of that number residing in Cook County, the city and surrounding suburbs are rallying to support those in need.

President Trump announced Tuesday that he will not reinstate SNAP benefits until the government reopens, despite being ordered by a pair of judges to use government contingency funds to do so.

In the meantime, Chicago Public Schools students will still receive free meals at school. Governor JB Pritzker also signed an executive order on October 30 directing $20 million in state funding to support food banks across Illinois.

Folks across the city and the suburbs are stepping up to provide support during this time in the f

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