Nearly 2 million people in Illinois could lose federal food benefits ahead of Thanksgiving if Congress can't agree on a budget by the end of the month.

Illinois risks millions in penalties under new federal law because of errors in determining who qualifies for food assistance. To protect taxpayers and struggling families, the state must increase its administrative precision.

The governor’s remarks came after the Illinois Department of Human Services warned that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could lose federal funding starting Nov. 1 if Congress fails to reach a deal to reopen the government.

The state announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has told states that Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will not be funded beginning Nov. 1 if the federal shutdown continues

SNAP to cut Nov. 1 if shutdown continues If the federal government shutdown continues past Nov. 1, 1.9 million Illinoisans will lose food assistance. The Illinois Department of Human Services announced federal officials informed all states that it will not fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits past Nov.

Due to the federal government shutdown, SNAP beneficiaries will not be issued their November food benefits until federal funding is restored.