BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) - North Dakota students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals will continue receiving them despite a possible suspension of federal food assistance, State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said Thursday.

The ongoing federal government shutdown, which began Oct. 1, could halt Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting Saturday. SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, provides monthly grocery assistance to low-income families through electronic debit cards.

Baesler said the Department of Public Instruction has fielded numerous questions about whether a SNAP funding pause would affect school meal programs. It will not, she emphasized, noting that students will receive free or reduced-price meals for the rest of the school year.

The concer

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