WASHINGTON —

Nearly 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program won’t receive their benefits on Nov. 1 because of the government shutdown, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture .

On its website, USDA said the “well has run dry” and benefits will not be issued next week.

SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamps Program, helps provide food assistance to low-income families. Here’s what to know.

What are SNAP benefits?

SNAP is a federal nutrition program that helps provide food assistance to low-income families. The idea for the first food stamp program started in 1939. Recipients received orange and blue stamps. Orange stamps were each worth $1 and could be used to buy any food. Blue stamps were each worth 50 cents and could only be used t

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