The US government shutdown has entered its fifth week and there is no clear end in sight. With Democrats and Republicans deadlocked over passing a spending plan that would reopen federal agencies, millions of Americans are feeling economic pain that could soon grow worse.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), also known as food stamps, will be cut off for 42 million Americas beginning Nov. 1, including nearly 2 million in Pennsylvania and 500,000 in Philadelphia. Most recipients of federal food assistance are the elderly, families with children, and the disabled.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said talks among rank-and-file senators aimed at ending the government shutdown have ramped up.

The Bedford County Department of Social Services has launched a dedicated SNAP information hotline to support those affected by upcoming changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

The government shutdown is just days away from the one-month mark. With the president abroad, no major breakthroughs in Congress are expected.

Woodfin's 3-part plan includes community food drive and resource hub to help families affected by federal benefit expiration on Nov. 1.

The clock is ticking for four major social safety net programs that keep tens of millions of struggling Americans — including millions of children and senior citizens — fed and warm, as well as provide early education services.

Hastings Salvation Army asks for patience during transition as government shutdown affects food assistance programs.

Those impacted can visit the state's website FeedTN.org. Users can select the county they live to find food distributions.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Tuesday announced that Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) will deliver benefits to people who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). If the shutdown hasn’t ended by Nov. 1, VENA will begin weekly distributions on Monday.