STATEWIDE -- Senator Angus King is pressing the USDA to immediately release SNAP funds to help feed Maine families.

Earlier this week, the Department of Health and Human Services announced the November nutrition benefits wouldn’t be sent out until the federal government shutdown ends or they receive other instructions.

Nearly 170 thousand Maine people rely on SNAP benefits to put food on their tables.

Senator King today joined with 45 of his colleagues in writing a letter to Department of Agriculture Commissioner Brooke Rollins calling on the USDA to release billions of dollars at its disposal.

In the letter, they said the USDA has several tools available so that the SNAP benefits can be paid through the end of November.

The senators said “In the event that more resources are needed

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