The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP, is the largest federal nutrition-assistance program in the U.S.

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.

SNAP food benefits help feed millions of Americans every year. With the program facing a lack of funding, it's worth learning how it actually works.

The USDA has accused Democrats of voting “12 times to not fund” Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

With benefits expected to run out Saturday because of the government shutdown, Democratic leaders of 25 states allege that the USDA is required to keep providing funds.

Illinois and many other states have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture over plans to stop SNAP benefits on Nov. 1 if the federal shutdown remains ongoing. About 2 million people in Illinois are slated to lose benefits on Saturday as the program runs out of money.

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

As the government shutdown hits day 28 on Oct. 28 with no end in sight, it inches closer to the end of key benefits. The Trump administration has warned that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will end on Nov.