The battle over food stamps has emerged as the latest flash point in the fierce partisan clash over government spending. Republicans in Congress are increasingly highlighting the imminent shortfall facing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in a bid to pressure Democrats to help end the ongoing shutdown.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP or food stamps, is the latest government program to be hit by the shutdown.

People who rely on the federal food assistance program might not receive their benefits for the month of November because of the ongoing government shutdown.

The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York was facing soaring demand before the shutdown. Cuts to food stamps could push it to the limit.

More than 1.6 million people in D.C., Maryland and Virginia receive SNAP benefits that will stop next week if the federal shutdown continues.

More than 200 Democratic lawmakers sent a letter Friday to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins urging her to use the contingency fund to continue the program.

If the government shutdown continues, food stamps will be frozen in November, leaving thousands without benefits.

SNAP, the country's largest anti-hunger program, dates back to the Great Depression and has never been disrupted this way. Most recipients are seniors, families with kids, and those with disabilities.