Food-insecure Massachusetts residents who use SNAP benefits to cover their groceries will not get funding in November, due to the effects of the ongoing government shutdown, Gov. Maura Healey said.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), said that there won't be enough funding to pay next month's benefits if the shutdown continues. Healey told reporters on Oct. 22 that funds for Massachusetts residents will be frozen by Halloween.

The struggling federal nutritional program gives underserved residents monthly funds on a debit-like EBT card to spend on healthy food. SNAP also gives thousands of Massachusetts children access to free school meals. In a little over a week, Healey said, these benefits will go away.

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