More than 77,000 Montanans — and potentially 41 million Americans — could lose access to a food assistance program beginning in November if the federal government shutdown continues.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently directed states to stop issuing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits in November, according to a message on the Montana state health department’s website.

“This means that you may not receive SNAP benefits for November, even if you are authorized to receive them,” the message reads.

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Communications Director Jon Ebelt said in a statement Tuesday the agency is mailing the same notice to 35,650 SNAP households. Other states have issued similar directives.

The federal government shutdown be

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