Gov. Tim Walz is giving food banks a $4 million boost as the emergency food system braces for the temporary pause of SNAP benefits due to the federal government shutdown. SNAP — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program,

Minnesota is sending $4 million in emergency funding to food shelves as officials brace for federal food assistance benefits to run out because of the government shutdown. DFL Gov. Tim Walz and state officials stressed Monday that the allocation is a stopgap that will only help temporarily.

Food shelves across the country are preparing for an increase in demand after the Trump administration announced SNAP benefits will end Nov. 1 as the government shutdown continues.

The USDA Food and Nutrition Services recently notified states that if the government shutdown continues, “there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits."

A food shelf is open at MSP Airport​ in support of federal employees who are working without pay during the government shutdown​.

The USDA says SNAP food benefits will stop on Nov. 1. The retail sector has battled a variety of economic challenges this year that have resulted in a decline in revenues for certain companies and financial distress.