Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey says "there's no way" the state can cover a food stamp shortfall if federal funds for SNAP [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program] are frozen amid the government shutdown .

"As of the end of next week, SNAP benefits are going to be frozen, they go away," Healey told reporters on Wednesday.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture sent a letter to state agencies earlier this month saying that if the government shutdown continues, there will be "insufficient funds" to cover full SNAP benefits for November. It's not clear yet if the USDA might use contingency funds to bridge the gap.

Massachusetts SNAP benefits

Healey said state funding "can't begin to match" what Washington, D.C. sends for food stamps.

"The federal government provides about $240 mil

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