CUYAHOGA COUNTY — The government shutdown continues, with no sign of either Democrats or Republicans giving in, entering its fourth week and on track to be the longest in U.S. history.

In Ohio, about 1.4 million people depend on SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps.

Those benefits could be cut off next month, impacting thousands in Northeast Ohio.

Diane Howard, 75, receives $63 in SNAP benefits every month. Howard said she depends on that food to take her medicine.

“I need SNAP to live, I feel like not receiving it is a death policy. Because without that food I can’t take my medicine that I need to survive,” said Howard.

In Cuyahoga County alone, about 190,000 people use SNAP benefits; without the program, families, children and seniors would be at risk of going hungry.

“Hunger d

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