New Delhi, Oct. 19 -- With Thanksgiving nearing, millions of Americans now face the grim prospect of going hungry as a bitter political stalemate in Washington threatens to halt food stamp payments next month, leaving 42 million people caught between partisan brinkmanship and an empty plate.

Millions of vulnerable Americans could soon lose access to food assistance as the federal government shutdown continues to disrupt critical welfare programmes. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - better known as food stamps - is expected to run out of funding in just two weeks, according to US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

"So you're talking about millions and millions of vulnerable families, of hungry families that are no...