WASHINGTON — The government shutdown has hit day 21 after the Senate failed to advance a House-backed deal for the 11th time. Vulnerable families must brace themselves for a possible pause on two federal programs next month - the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Head Start Program . If both sides can’t come to the table there could be big cuts coming to SNAP and head start programs starting Nov. 1.

Over 40 million Americans enrolled in SNAP are at risk of not receiving their food stamps next month. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) says if the shutdown continues there won’t be enough money to fully fund the program.

Meanwhile head start programs, which provide federally funded childcare, Pre-K and nutrition services to low-income families with kids under f

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