The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — more commonly known as SNAP, or food stamps — is a key benefits program that serves more than 40 million people across the country. Now, the shutdown is threatening to suspend benefits, raising concerns over where millions of people who rely on the program will turn to for food.

Democratic-led states filed suit in federal court, arguing the Trump administration’s halt to SNAP aid during the shutdown harms millions of low-income Americans.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said the state will fund November food aid for children, the elderly or disabled who receive food stamps as the federal government shutdown drags on. Landry and Legislative leaders announced the plan to secure funding from the Louisiana Department of Health during an Oct. 29 press conference.

Democrats are working to balance their health care demands and find solutions for SNAP, with Democratic Sen. Ben Ray Luján on Wednesday introducing legislation that would direct the USDA to release available contingency funds to ensure benefits under SNAP and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program continue during the shutdown.

Donating food or money can help local food pantries, said Ashley Shaw of Bread and Roses in Lawrence. WBZ-TV's David Wade reports.