MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) - According to officials in Vermont, the USDA says it's now requiring all states to pause nutrition assistance benefits - known as SNAP in most of the country, or 3SquaresVT in the Green Mountain State.

Vermont's Department for Children and Families (DCF) says it recently received federal guidance to stop the program - due to a lack of federal funding caused by the government shutdown.

For people who have received their October 1 benefit, that can still be used. But any benefits approved for after Monday, October 27 will not be available until the government reopens.

November 1 benefits will also not be issued for the time being. DCF says, though, that participants should continue to keep track and submit applications, which will be reviewed by the state on

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