New Delhi, Oct. 22 -- Millions of Americans could lose access to food assistance if the federal government shutdown continues. Officials in several states have now warned that SNAP benefits may be halted by 1 November. It could leave tens of millions of low-income families in limbo.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps about 42 million people buy groceries each month. It is run by the USDA but paid for through federal funds, which are now frozen due to the ongoing shutdown.

Texas officials said that if the shutdown continues past 27 October, SNAP benefits for November will not go out. Pennsylvania has issued a similar warning. The Department of Human Services posted an alert that payments "cannot be made" if the im...