The Buffalo, New York, native has been living in financial limbo since being laid off in early June, and has had to turn to food stamps. But now even that lifeline has been taken away as she has become one of an estimated 41.7 million Americans affected by the federal pause of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ( SNAP ).

America has a lifeline against hunger: ultra-processed foods. Millions of the poorest Americans are stuck in food-stamp limbo. They still do not know when their benefits will arrive—or if they will at all.

Is SNAP the same as food stamps? Having access to these benefits will be affected by a government shutdown. Details to follow.