Naperville-area food pantries saw a dramatic increase in registered families this week, even after federal judge rulings last week required the administration to continue funding SNAP benefits.

As the government shutdown has now become the longest in US history, local food pantries like West Suburban Community Pantry and Loaves & Fishes Community Services prepare for the long-term impact of the partial SNAP funding.

West Suburban Community Pantry seeks supply help from Northern Illinois Food Bank

The US Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday that 65% of November SNAP benefits would be covered, with delays. The USDA had previously said SNAP benefits could stop entirely if the government did not continue to fund the program by Nov. 1.

WSCP already had a 34% increase in famil

See Full Page