DES MOINES, Iowa -- A quarter of a million Iowans are at risk of losing access to the federal SNAP program (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) if the federal government is not reopened before the start of next month.

The United States Department of Agriculture confirmed on its website on Monday, stating that the well has run dry and benefits won't be given out unless government funding is passed.

$45 million a month in federal funding is utilized by Iowans to help buy groceries and make ends meet. Without SNAP benefits, people will lean on food banks. The Food Bank of Iowa hosted Congressman Zach Nunn (R) from Iowa's Third Congressional District for a tour of the facility, while leaders at the food bank highlighted the importance of keeping SNAP funded.

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