Assuming the government shutdown continues beyond Oct. 31, families across the state — including in Ionia — will go without SNAP benefits in November.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , also known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides monthly benefits to low-income families for affordable, healthy food.

In recent weeks, the USDA — which oversees the program — has warned funding for November could be jeopardized if the shutdown continues. In a prominent new message on the agency's website, the USDA said no benefits will be issued Nov. 1.

The department's shutdown contingency plan previously said the agency has a reserve of contingency funds, which can be used to pay benefits directly. The plan, which was issued in September, has since been removed online

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