A local nonprofit is working to help Illinois veterans at risk of losing crucial government assistance.
"We're stepping up to make sure that no veteran is left behind."
That's Tatshee Simmons, a retired First Lieutenant and founder of the group Veterans Assistance Partnership, which is helping to connect those at risk of losing their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits as a result of the government shutdown with food banks, churches and other areas that can help.
"We're talking around $350 million in food assistance every month.
What most people don't realize is that veterans make up a large percentage of those SNAP households. If this shutdown continues, many of our veterans and their families could go hungry. That is unacceptable."
Simmons says for those living in so-called food deserts, the cut off has the potential to be even more devastating.
"This is going to be a process that a lot of people are going to need help with. We are willing to assist to get them the help they need."
More information can be found at veteransassistancepartnership.org.
