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 suspend benefits, raising concerns over where millions of people who rely on the program will turn to for food.

Here's what individuals and families need to know about SNAP eligibility, applying for SNAP, and what happens after submitting your SNAP application.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is a major piece of the U.S. social safety net used by nearly 42 million, or about 1 in 8 Americans, to help buy groceries.

What to know about the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, sometimes referred to as food stamps.