As nearly 2 million Illinois residents prepare to lose federal food assistance Saturday amid the government shutdown, Gov. Pritzker signed an executive order Thursday directing $20 million toward food banks across the state.

With a continuing government shutdown leading to an expected halt to food benefits for millions, local communities are stepping up efforts to help residents.

It’s making a big impact, choosing between bills and foods," said Charlene Echoles, a Humboldt Park mother of three who is trying to figure out how to survive without SNAP during the shutdown.

The government shutdown is directly impacting employees, and now families are losing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

An 8-year-old Chicago boy is giving back for his birthday by feeding 150 families Saturday in a food drive. Alex Anning wasn’t looking forward to presents or cake for his birthday

The ongoing federal government shutdown could end food stamp coverage for millions of Americans on Saturday, and farmers are among those bracing for the impact.

A Chicago church is packing food and supplies for residents amid fears of immigration raids. New Life Centers opened its 20,000-square-foot warehouse to collect food, clothes and other supplies. Business patronage and attendance at schools and churches in Little Village have plummeted in recent weeks.