ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)---As the federal government shutdown continues, the state estimates that nearly 3 million New Yorkers who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, may lose their benefits starting in November.

It's been more than 20 days since the federal government shutdown, with no end in sight.

"We're on the cliff of a hunger crisis of the greatest proportion in modern American history," said Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America.

According to Berg, if SNAP benefits aren't restored before the end of October, it will cause a wide-ranging negative impact.

"Not only will 3 million New Yorkers lose food, there are 16,000 retailers in New York State--- farmers markets, bodegas, corner stores, local grocery stores, big box stores will not get that

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