The Department of Agriculture said no benefits would be issued for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program on Nov. 1, claiming funding for the critical food stamps program had “run dry” due to the ongoing government shutdown—a claim disputed by Democrats and some policy analysts.

More than 200 Democratic lawmakers sent a letter Friday to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins urging her to use the contingency fund to continue the program.

If the federal shutdown continues past Oct. 27, funding for SNAP food assistance will run out in Texas, potentially leaving 3.5 million residents without benefits.

Americans face a "tough time" as food banks are unlikely to be able to meet the demand amid the government shutdown.

Whether or not benefits through the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program will be available to Washington residents after Nov. 1 is still to be determined and is dependent on events in Washington DC.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP or food stamps, is the latest government program to be hit by the shutdown.

With November SNAP benefits on hold due to the federal government shutdown, Brevard food banks expect an increase in need that was already high.