WASHINGTON — As the federal government shutdown extends to day 17, and with congressional leaders nowhere near negotiating , state officials are beginning to raise concerns of potential cuts to nutrition assistance benefits that feed millions if the government isn’t reopened.

Minnesota has already halted new enrollments in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. And officials in Kansas , New Hampshire and New Mexico have warned their residents could miss their food assistance payments for November.

More than 42 million Americans rely on the program, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture administers. The federal government funds nearly all the program benefits, with states administering the program.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins warned Thursday

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