ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) -- Monday marks the 27th day of the federal government shutdown, which is the second-longest in U.S. history.

However, it's the first time Americans could face losing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This is a separate situation from the budget cuts made to SNAP over the summer.

With an estimated 40 million Americans relying on the program to provide basic food needs, local and regional agencies are preparing for an increased demand while maintaining a cautiously calm approach.

"I think there's just so much uncertainty and confusion — and in a lot of ways I wouldn't be surprised if, in part, that's the point — but we're trying to remind people that with each passing day, there's a lot happening in D.C., there's a lot happening in state ca

See Full Page