The government shutdown is just days away from the one-month mark. With the president abroad, no major breakthroughs in Congress are expected.

The countdown is on keep food on the table for about 42 million Americans who receive SNAP grocery assistance.

Congressional Democrats are marching in lockstep into the fourth week of a government shutdown, even as lawmakers brace for what could be the most painful point yet — a cutoff in federal food aid for 40 million people.

Advocates say with the SNAP suspension, Alabamians “are being put in a position where we are being forced to choose between health care and food,” said Carol Gundlach, senior policy analyst at Alabama Arise, a nonprofit that advocates for policies to improve poverty in the state.

As the pause for SNAP assistance nears due to the government shutdown, food pantries and recipients are planning for what's next.

Gov. Dan McKee on Tuesday, Oct 28 will announce "new actions" to help Rhode Islanders when federal food aid ends at the start of next month due to the government shutdown.

As the federal shutdown threatens SNAP benefits, Minnesota directs $4 million to food shelves across Minnesota. USDA warns assistance may stop Nov. 1.

Federal shutdown cuts SNAP benefits for 3.5 million Texans. USDA says funds are exhausted, no November benefits as families turn to food pantries.

This Saturday, SNAP benefits could be suspended due to the government shutdown. This would impact many Alabamians who rely on the program to feed their families. Some local nonprofits say they’re already seeing the increase in people since the shutdown started.