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A looming government shutdown is putting SNAP—food assistance for roughly 41.7 million people—at risk for November, with the USDA warning states not to submit files needed to load EBT cards. Benefits are assured through October, but officials and advocates say the outlook is worsening. Minnesota has halted new applications and is preparing notices that November aid won't be issued; New Mexico officials warn of unprecedented harm. Covering the gap could cost about $8 billion a month, and one Connecticut official warned retailers may shut off EBT transactions if federal funding lapses.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.