STEVENSVILLE — With the federal government shutdown now in its fourth week, the pain is becoming real for many across the nation.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says food assistance program known as SNAP will be cut off for the month of November.

"SNAP is our nation's most effective and efficient tool to combat hunger," Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN) Advocacy Specialist Kiera Condon said.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps those on low or fixed incomes to fill their fridges.

More than 40 million Americans rely on the program, including around 80,000 Montanans.

"For every meal a food pantry provides, SNAP delivers 9," Condon stated.

According to the USDA, because of the government shutdown no benefits will be issued on Nov. 1.

"We're not going to be able to fil

See Full Page