The federal government shut down on Oct. 1. Currently, we're in the second-longest shutdown in U.S. history.

If it continues into November, about 42 million Americans could be left without food, including more than 380,000 people in Mississippi who depend on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ( SNAP ) benefits.

Saturday, Nov. 1 is important for SNAP beneficiaries who might not get help affording groceries. It's also a fiscal cliff for Head Start funding and the day Affordable Care Act insurance enrollment begins.

Here's what we know about SNAP in Mississippi, including who qualifies, how much they receive and where they can find food bank resources near them.

What is SNAP?

SNAP, often called food stamps, is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Agricu

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