About 12% of Americans started November in anxious anticipation, wondering if they'll receive federal food assistance as the government shutdown stretches into its sixth week.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP ) has become a main focal point in the shutdown, with millions of Americans protesting its previously announced freeze.

The Trump administration has been ordered by two courts to provide the funding, but it was unclear how soon people would begin receiving their food stamps and how much they would or wouldn't get.

Here's what we know.

What is SNAP?

SNAP, also known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides low-income families monthly benefits to afford healthy food. The program is typically run by state public assistance agencies through their loca

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