RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is unsure what will happen next month with SNAP benefits as the federal government shutdown drags on.

DHHS says it has been using available funds from last year to keep SNAP benefits in place through October.

A spokesperson says the state agency recently received a letter from USDA that November benefits will be disrupted if the federal shutdown continues.

Parties are no closer to a deal to end it.

DHHS, however, says it is hopeful it can continue to offer SNAP benefits to 1.4 million North Carolinians.

The program specifically helps approximately 582,569 children as of this past Sunday.

"The stakes are high, because we're talking about infants and children," said DHHS Division of Child and Family

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