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With the U.S. government shutdown unresolved, the USDA says SNAP benefits will not be issued November 1, halting about $8 billion in monthly aid for roughly 42 million people. Recipients like Maine single mother Kasey McBlais and Massachusetts mother Sharlene Sutton say they’re bracing for hard choices and turning to food banks, which warn they cannot cover the shortfall. Some states vow to continue payments and New York pledged $30 million in emergency help, but the USDA says states won’t be reimbursed, raising doubts and broader economic ripple effects.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.