The government shutdown has gotten ahold of Food Stamps. This is the first time in recent history that a government shutdown has threatened SNAP benefits.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is set to decline payments starting November 1st, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in a recent statement. Many are worried for the future of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) too, as it is in a similar category with SNAP.

Food Stamps are government-funded assistance for families or individuals who cannot provide for themselves sufficiently due to factors such as low income, disability, or being a new parent in need of support, among other reasons. While they are government-funded, they are also state-run. It’s sort of a one can’t run without the other situation.

Many Americans rely heavily on these benefits and are concerned about how they will provide for themselves and/or their families, as over 40 million people use them across the country.

A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture said, “Continue to hold out for healthcare for illegals or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive timely WIC and SNAP allotments,” NBC News cites.

Others are arguing that this is a political war focusing on the wrong factors, when it goes so far as to take away SNAP. A student at OCSA, whose family is affected by the benefits leaving, states that the government shutdown is because “One party is arguing for universal care, the other one wants care only for rich people.”

To combat worry and lack of support for individuals relying on the benefits, some state governors are making plans to raise donations and provide emergency funds to help out. Democratic leaders from 25 states said they would sue the Agriculture Department over the November SNAP suspensions.

While not all states are viewing this as a major dilemma, many are putting in their strongest efforts to keep families fed despite the shutdown.