Pritzker said the federal government could, and has been asked, to use emergency funds to keep SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) running beyond Nov. 1 but the Trump administration has elected not to.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a vocal Democratic critic of President Donald Trump during the federal government shutdown, mischaracterized the Trump administration’s actions related to food aid for low-income families.

SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford nutritious food essential to health and well-being. Nearly two million Illinois residents use SNAP benefits. In response to the threatened program ...

The Trump Administration said the government will be partially funding this month’s SNAP benefits after federal judges ruled it needs to use reserve funds. Now, people in Central Illinois are trying to deal with the uncertainty while some food bank leaders say their lines are getting longer.

Two million people in Illinois rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. With the governor signing an executive order, $20 million in state funds will be directed to help food banks.

Wednesday's order offers support for Illinois farmers and their families. His order Thursday will direct the state to work with food banks and pantries, grocers, universities and others to mitigate cuts to the federal food assistance program.

SNAP benefits will lapse on Saturday amid the ongoing government shutdown. Gov. JB Pritzker ordered $20 million for food banks to help, as food pantries are already seeing increasing demand.

As the government shutdown continues, nearly 2 million Illinoisans will not receive SNAP benefits starting next month, officials warn.