DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) - The federal government shutdown has frozen new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications in St. Louis County and across Minnesota, leaving some residents unable to access food assistance.

While St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services is still accepting applications, as of Thursday, they can’t be approved due to a lack of federal funds.

Officials add that if the shutdown continues into next month, November benefits won’t be issued.

“When you need some help, you need some help,” said resident Chris Erickson.

Erickson came to the St. Louis County Government Center on Thursday looking to apply for SNAP after losing his job a week before.

“I’m here to get a little bit of help. Hopefully not [for] too long. I am out looking f

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