Americans Brace for Expiry of Critical Food Benefits

UNITED STATES – More than 40 million Americans could lose access to food assistance this weekend, as the U.S. government shutdown stretches into its fifth week.

The political deadlock has pushed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to the brink of running out of funds.

Democrats blame the Trump administration for refusing to tap emergency reserves, while Republicans insist benefits will resume once Democrats agree to reopen the government.

Food banks across the country are bracing for a surge in demand as the shutdown becomes the second-longest in U.S. history.