RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- With the federal government shutdown now in its third week with no end in sight, Virginia lawmakers and advocates are concerned that funding for food assistance may run out in November.

“SNAP benefits for November won’t be issued if the federal government shutdown continues past Oct. 27,” warned Texas’ Health and Human Services Department.

On Wednesday, Oct. 22, Rep. Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), along with Sen. Danica Roem (D-Prince William) and advocates and Virginians, called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to tap into a $6 billion contingency fund that could keep the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits going for nearly 800,000 Virginians.

Roem said she recently received an inquiry from a Manassas constituent regarding the fate

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