ATLANTA, Ga. (WTOC) - The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) is alerting residents that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be available starting Nov. 1 if the federal government shutdown continues.

In a press release , the Georgia DHS said SNAP recipients will not be able to use EBT cards starting Nov. 1 if the government is still shut down. The department said Georgia residents using SNAP benefits should plan ahead now and shop for needed items. EBT card balances can be checked on the ConnectEBT website .

The federal government funds SNAP benefits. The Georgia DHS distributes those funds to eligible state households.

The DHS said it recognizes SNAP benefits help many Georgia families and is monitoring the situation closely.

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