If no deal is reached in Washington, SNAP benefits, funds that help pay for groceries, could run out for families across the country. Here is how you can help.

Gov. Walz announced state funding Monday to help Minnesotans who receive monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Can the safety net of food shelves, food banks and other sources fill the gap left by the government shutdown?

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.

The Agriculture Department said it can't use contingency funds to pay for SNAP benefits, contradicting earlier guidance that the money was available.

A new bill would see Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits paid retroactively as payments remain in jeopardy due to the ongoing government shutdown. About 42 million Americans rely on SNAP to help pay for food every month.