(NEXSTAR) – With the clock ticking toward a potential government shutdown, over 40 million Americans face the prospect of losing federal food aid as early as this Saturday.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) might not receive funding in November if the government shutdown persists, according to warnings from the United States Department of Agriculture. This program is a crucial source of food support for roughly 1 in 8 individuals across the country.

Many families with low or no income depend heavily on the monthly benefits provided by SNAP, which are typically issued via an EBT card. The amount each household receives is determined by their income level and family size, with an average distribution of $187 per person each month.