LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Head start programs in more than 40 states are at risk of not receiving federal funding if the government shutdown does not end by Saturday, Nov. 1.

The programs serve children who qualify based on need, like family income, disability, foster care, or homelessness.

Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative (OVEC) CEO Jason Adkins said the local OVEC head start programs are not at risk of losing their funding due to a different budget period.

But, the organization is left scrambling to find ways to fill the gap before funding for SNAP benefits run dry.

Millions of families across the country who rely on the federal program won't get their monthly benefits, including nearly 600,000 people in Kentucky.

Adkins said two-thirds of the Jefferson County families they serve rely on

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