The state health department is warning residents of potential delays in SNAP and WIC benefits in November because of the ongoing government shutdown.

Nearly 7 million people - many infants and young children - in the U.S. receive WIC benefits, according to the National WIC Association (NWA).

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 temporarily suspend benefits, raising concerns over where millions of people who rely on the program will turn to for food.

The Democratic officials contend the administration is legally required to keep benefits going as long as it has funding.

If the continuing resolution or any other funding measures are not passed, funding for SNAP — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps as it's commonly called — will run out on Nov. 1.

Federal funds could begin running dry on Saturday that help tens of millions of Americans buy food for their families and send their toddlers to preschool if the government shutdown persists.

One Rockingham County woman who relies on WIC says her family have her paycheck to rely on when beneifts expire, but says other families may not be so lucky.

If the federal government shutdown continues, there will be a pause in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits come Saturday, Nov. 1.