The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — more commonly known as SNAP, or food stamps — is a key benefits program that serves more than 40 million people across the country. Now, the shutdown is threatening to temporarily suspend benefits, raising concerns over where millions of people who rely on the program will turn to for food.

Minnesota is one of the 26 states suing the Trump administration for what it contends is the illegal suspension of SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, during the federal government shutdown.

Gov. Walz announced state funding Monday to help Minnesotans who receive monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

On Oct. 10, the USDA sent a letter to SNAP agencies saying that if the shutdown continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay for November.

The Agriculture Department said it can't use contingency funds to pay for SNAP benefits, contradicting earlier guidance that the money was available.

The ongoing government shutdown means SNAP benefits for roughly 440,000 Minnesotans will be halted on Nov. 1. To help manage the gap, Gov. Tim Walz released $4 million in emergency funding for food shelves.

Federal officials have said funding for the program, which provides food benefits to low-income families, will run out come November unless a deal to reopen the government is reached. In Minnesota, this will mean funding drying up to provide SNAP benefits to 440,000 recipients.

Minnesota’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) says SNAP funding will run dry on Nov. 1 amid a government shutdown. If the shutdown is not resolved, the department will not be able to pay November benefits.