Reporters from the NPR Network are covering the uncertainty and lapse in benefits in states across the country.

Signs of a potential end to the government shutdown are intensifying with senators from both parties, Republicans and Democrats, quietly negotiating the contours of an emerging deal.

Gov. Kay Ivey announced she will use the state’s emergency fund to support food banks across Alabama as the federal government shutdown has suspended SNAP benefits. The governor will release $2 million to support eight food banks,

President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to withhold critical food aid until the government shutdown is over, despite his administration’s assertion to a court earlier this week that it would continue funding partial benefits.

Jade Dumpling & Noodle House, Acorn Community Cafe, Souper Bowls, and more offer free meals to Eugene community

For more than a month, U.S. Senate Democrats and Republicans have been at an impasse. The chamber needs bipartisan support to pass a spending measure because 60 votes are required to end a filibuster and advance to a final vote, but neither party has that much of a majority.

President Trump hasn’t tapped emergency funds to cover the program, though a court ruling could force a change.

About 1 in 8 U.S. residents get an average of $187 a month per person in the food assistance known as SNAP. For the first time, the Trump administration stopped the payments due at the beginning of the month.