Congress and state officials are scrambling to continue SNAP benefits despite the shutdown, but the first lapse in food assistance is expected Nov. 1.

The US government shutdown has entered its fifth week and there is no clear end in sight. With Democrats and Republicans deadlocked over passing a spending plan that would reopen federal agencies, millions of Americans are feeling economic pain that could soon grow worse.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said talks among rank-and-file senators aimed at ending the government shutdown have ramped up.

The clock is ticking for four major social safety net programs that keep tens of millions of struggling Americans — including millions of children and senior citizens — fed and warm, as well as provide early education services.

Between precarious government funding and low corporate and individual giving, organizations that give back in Tennessee are struggling.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced the city is allocating $4.6 million to cover the cost as the shutdown drags on.

CNBC host Joe Kernen called out Democratic Vermont Sen. Peter Welch for taking part in "extortion" by not voting in favor of ending the shutdown on Wednesday. CNBC host Joe Kernen pressed Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., on Wednesday for repeatedly voting to continue the government shutdown.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Tuesday announced that Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) will deliver benefits to people who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). If the shutdown hasn’t ended by Nov. 1, VENA will begin weekly distributions on Monday.