As the government shutdown stretches into day 36, delayed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits remain top of mind for millions of Americans, including near 2 million here in Illinois.

After two separate court challenges, the Trump administration announced Monday it would tap into a $4.65 billion contingency fund to partially fund SNAP benefits for November, which are already several days late.

But when those balances will arrive is uncertain, leaving many people relying on alternatives or facing difficult choices while they wait.

Food banks and community pantries in the Chicago area are doing what they can, and even local restaurants have stepped up in recent days to offer free meals for those in need.

And then there's the neighbors and community members on the hyper loca

See Full Page