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

In the Senate, Democrats tried Oct. 29 to extend benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to avoid starving its 42 million low-income beneficiaries. But Republicans blocked the maneuver by arguing that Democrats should join them in reopening the entire government.

Missouri families receiving WIC benefits will continue to have access in November, but SNAP benefits will be on pause next month because of the government shutdown.

Health officials in Utah and Minnesota said their WIC programs will continue to be available into November. In Washington state, benefits are expected to be available “through mid to late November.” Wyoming’s WIC program said Friday that benefits are anticipated to be available “at least through November.”

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — more commonly known as SNAP, or food stamps — is a key benefits program that serves more than 40 million people across the country. Now, the shutdown is threatening to suspend benefits, raising concerns over where millions of people who rely on the program will turn to for food.

A primary difference between WIC and SNAP is that the Women, Infants and Children program provides more than just food. Individuals receiving support can access services like health screening, nutrition and breastfeeding counseling, immunization screening and more, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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 government shutdown doesn't end by Nov. 1, families receiving SNAP/food stamps, may be without funds. See a map of pantries in the metro area.

Explore the challenges facing Washington state as cuts to SNAP funding impact food banks and vulnerable families amid rising food costs and demand.

Many Montana families are beginning to feel the strain as the government shutdown stretches into another week, especially those relying on federal nutrition programs.

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