Some East Texans are days away from losing benefits they rely on for food. With the government shutdown stretching into its fourth week, next month’s SNAP benefits may not go out. Now, many Americans are looking for ways to stretch the benefits they have left.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) said on its website that SNAP benefits for November will not be issued if the shutdown continues past October 27. While the HHSC notes that Medicaid, WIC, TANF and CHIP benefits won’t be affected, the 3.7 million Texans–roughly 11% of the population–who rely on SNAP to pay for groceries will.

New SNAP work requirements expand age limits to 64 and millions at risk of losing food assistance as federal government shutdown continues.

A s the federal government shutdown stretches closer to November, with it runs the risk of SNAP food benefit cuts for almost 42 million people in the U.S. - but "Texas' FEMA" is stepping in to help aid Texans in need.

“Nearly 3.5 million people in Texas alone rely on monthly SNAP benefits,” said Wilson. SMU Professor Dr. Doric Earle is co-founder of Restorative Farms, an urban farming network fighting food insecurity. With SNAP benefits up in the air, they have to adjust their outreach.