NEW YORK (CNN) - With the government shutdown stretching on, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says it does not have the money to pay for food stamp benefits for November.

Millions of Americans rely on the crucial food assistance program to keep their families fed.

“SNAP benefits are literally the lifeline that feeds us at the end of the month,” Juan Saro, SNAP recipient, said.

SNAP recipient Najee Kinard added, “If the benefits get cut off in November, it will leave me to have to make very hard decisions and choices that I need to make with the current economy.”

Nearly 42 million people received food stamps in May, according to the latest data from the USDA.

Those SNAP benefits are at risk in a matter of days because of the ongoing government shutdown.

SNAP households receive about

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