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Millions of Americans are at risk of losing food assistance as the government shutdown persists, with SNAP benefits potentially disrupted starting Nov. 1 due to the USDA's decision not to use emergency funds to sustain the program. The economic strain is already affecting federal workers, many of whom are feeling depressed and hopeless after missing paychecks.Eric Dorsey, a furloughed federal worker, said, "I just keep hoping and praying that things will change."Grace Futrell, another furloughed worker, expressed, "Feeling a bit lost, aimless. We're in week four now."Sharon, also furloughed, shared her frustration, saying, "Not knowing what's going to happen next. Where your next meal is going to come from."World Central Kitchen began providing hot meals to furloughed federal workers near the Department of Transportation Monday, where many employees have been out of work since the shutdown began. The uncertainty in Washington could soon extend nationwide.A memo from the USDA to states indicates that SNAP benefits will cease on Nov. 1, and the department will not utilize approximately $5 billion in emergency funds to continue SNAP benefits. SNAP assists one in eight Americans in purchasing groceries, with nearly 40% of participants being children, 20% seniors, and about 10% people with disabilities. Nearly three-quarters of SNAP households live below the federal poverty line.The USDA stated it cannot legally use SNAP emergency funds for regular benefits during a shutdown, but Democrats argue the administration is choosing not to use the funds, playing politics with food aid. The USDA memo specifies that the funds are reserved for disaster relief, such as responding to hurricanes, citing Hurricane Melissa as an example of why the funds need to remain available. However, the USDA had previously planned to use these funds for SNAP benefits in a now-removed shutdown plan.More government shutdown coverage from the Washington News Bureau: