EAGAN, Minnesota — A critical benefit for putting food on the table could stop until the government shutdown ends.

On Tuesday, the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families posted an update that read, "Due to a lack of funding caused by the federal government shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) food benefits will not be issued for November until the shutdown ends or the federal government issues further guidance. The cash portion of MFIP will be issued."

More than 440,000 Minnesotans use SNAP to help put food on their tables.

The Open Door Pantry in Eagan serves than 20,000 Dakota County residents each month.

"In truth, we're closer than we've ever been to meeting the need. But this recent shutdown an

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