MAINE, USA — State officials announced Tuesday the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service will not distribute Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in November due to the government shutdown.

If the government shutdown ends or DHHS receives alternative guidance from the USDA by early November, "there should be no impact to next month’s benefits and they will be available, per usual, in mid-November," according to a Maine DHHS spokesperson.

Nearly 170,000 Mainers, about 12% of the population, get SNAP benefits, according to Maine DHHS.

Local food banks are now expecting a spike in demand next month as families may have to go to the pantry for the first time. The South Portland Food Cupboard has seen a steady 20% increase in need over the past ye

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