Agriculture Department officials said Friday they cannot use a contingency fund to continue paying the SNAP program, despite earlier shutdown guidance allowing its use.

Experts warned that Americans face a "tough time" as food banks are unlikely to be able to meet the incoming demand.

The government shutdown appears likely to continue into the week leading up to Nov. 1. Here's why that's a key date.

The state of Mississippi says SNAP benefits will be delayed or not issued at all in November due to the federal shutdown. About 400,000 Mississippians received benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program as of 2022.

The federal government shutdown is nearing the four-week mark, with lawmakers seemingly no closer to a deal. Friday came without a paycheck for many impacted D.C. federal workers.

Recipients of SNAP benefits could soon face difficulties accessing food if the government shutdown continues into November.