The state health department is warning residents of potential delays in SNAP and WIC benefits in November because of the ongoing government shutdown.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced a bill to extend SNAP and WIC funding, saying Democrats aim to prevent children from going hungry and families from losing access to food amid the ongoing government shutdown.

With over 40 million Americans relying on SNAP and WIC benefits, the government shutdown is putting pressure on brands, grocers and farmers dependent on these programs for steady sales and supply continuity.

Nearly 7 million people - many infants and young children - in the U.S. receive WIC benefits, according to the National WIC Association (NWA).

As the federal government shutdown reaches it's one-month mark, local food assistance organizations are preparing for an increase in demand when pauses to SNAP

If the continuing resolution or any other funding measures are not passed, funding for SNAP — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps as it's commonly called — will run out on Nov. 1.

The Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program — which provides support to low-income families with young children — is expected to stay operational during the ongoing government shutdown,

NCDHHS does not currently have funding to continue WIC benefits past early November, according to Gov. Josh Stein.