Minnesota is one of the 26 states suing the Trump administration for what it contends is the illegal suspension of SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, during the federal government shutdown.

On Oct. 10, the USDA sent a letter to SNAP agencies saying that if the shutdown continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay for November.

Gov. Walz announced state funding Monday to help Minnesotans who receive monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

DCYF sent an email to Minnesota’s 87 counties and 11 tribal nations earlier this week, laying out a timeline that appears to taper off the distribution of benefits.

Federal officials have said funding for the program, which provides food benefits to low-income families, will run out come November unless a deal to reopen the government is reached. In Minnesota, this will mean funding drying up to provide SNAP benefits to 440,000 recipients.

The Agriculture Department said it can't use contingency funds to pay for SNAP benefits, contradicting earlier guidance that the money was available.

"Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued on November 1," the USDA posted on Tuesday.