State leaders are raising awareness about the continued need for food aid, despite the federal shutdown ending earlier this month.

The 43-day shutdown — the longest ever in U.S. history — delayed food assistance and created confusion for millions of Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

About 440,000 Minnesotans receive around $73 million in SNAP benefits every month, according to state data.

With the federal government reopened, Minnesota officials said there will not be any disruptions to SNAP benefits in December. People can continue applying for benefits, too.

Still, officials warn the hunger crisis is not over.

“The shutdown really impacted people’s food stability and we are still recovering, even though the shutdown is over,” said Tikki Br

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