Federal food assistance programs that help low-income Americans could run out of money if the government shutdown persists.

That would impact close to 42 million poor Americans who receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits (i.e. food stamps), as well as 6.9 million lower-income persons on Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has notified state agencies that help administer SNAP/food stamps benefits that the food program could run low on money next month if the shutdown continues.

“SNAP has funding available for benefits and operations through the month of October. However, if the current lapse in appropriations continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefit

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