SNAP benefits may run out Nov. 1. Here's how you could still get food assistance

(NEXSTAR) – The days are numbered for the federal government to reopen in time to fully fund food assistance in time for November, leaving more than 40 million people uncertain if they'll have a hard time affording groceries next month.

The United States Department of Agriculture has started warning states that SNAP benefits may not be funded if the shutdown tips into a second month.

SNAP, formerly called the Food Stamp Program, helps people living near or below the poverty line afford groceries. The program is funded by federal dollars but administered by state and local agencies.

A disruption or delay could impact 42 million people, or 1 in 8 Americans, who rely on SNAP to buy food.

As the clock is ticking, states, nonprofits and some legislators are scrambling to find ways to help before Nov. 1. Here are some ways people could still get food assistance in time.

Option No. 1: Federal government could take action

If the federal government reopens in the next few days, November benefits could be issued as normal.

There's also the option to temporarily fund the program even if the government remains closed. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced a bill that would provide emergency SNAP funding on Wednesday.

The USDA could also tap into contingency funds to keep SNAP operating, but it would cost about $8 billion to keep everyone's benefits running in November. The size of the agency's contingency fund is closer to $6 billion, according to CNN.

Option No. 2: States may fill the gaps

As the deadline looms near, some state governments are taking action to try and avoid interruptions in food assistance.

Virginia declared a state of emergency in order to free up emergency funds, if needed. Colorado's governor requested the state legislature use up to $10 million from the state's general fund to support food banks and tide over food assistance.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said California is fast-tracking $80 million in funds for food banks and will be deploying National Guard troops to help distribute food.

"This is serious, this is urgent – and requires immediate action," Newsom said. More details on the governor's plan are expected before Nov. 1, he said.

It's not clear if states will be reimbursed for any money they spend on SNAP benefits.

Option No. 3: Nonprofits brace for higher demand

Local and regional charities are also getting ready for the anticipated greater need for food assistance.

14.37% of Oklahoma residents rely on SNAP, according to WalletHub, and SNAP needs federal dollars to keep families fed.

Hunger Free Oklahoma works to end hunger across the state, and worries about the impact of the shutdown if it continues.

“There’s a question that if the shutdown went through November, whether there would be money there to issue SNAP benefits,” said Chris Bernard, CEO & President of Hunger Free Oklahoma.“

There’s a question that if the shutdown went through November, whether there would be money there to issue SNAP benefits,” said Chris Bernard, CEO & President of Hunger Free Oklahoma.

Oklahoma is encouraging people who receive benefits to visit a state website that connects people with nonprofits, faith-based groups, Native American tribes and others that may be able to help with food.

Catholic Charities of Acadiana in Kentucky was one such organization that put out a call for donations to food banks.

"Our concern is for families, seniors, and working individuals who are already struggling to make ends meet, knowing that they will feel these effects most acutely," the charity said.

The Feeding Colorado initiative was announced in response to the shutdown, as Gov. Jared Polis encouraged Coloradans to come together. "Coloradans take care of one another, and we’re stepping up to make sure hardworking families can continue putting food on the table while federal funding is on hold," he said.

If you're not sure where to find help, the Feeding America site can help you find a food bank near you.

But there are concerns that food banks will be overwhelmed with need if SNAP funding is cut off abruptly.

"The amount of food that SNAP provides has been estimated to be nine times larger than the entire food bank network combined, so to think that we at food banks alone can be the sole resource to pick up this slack for government's failure in this moment, it's very unreasonable," said George Matysik, executive director of Philadelphia food bank Share Food Program, in an interview with USA Today.

Servants Center, a nonprofit in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was also bracing for the SNAP cuts.

"How do we help them? Our backs are against the wall," Nia Wolfe, a clinical supervisor at the nonprofit, told Nexstar's WOOD. "How do we bridge the gap as the state in the federal government figures things out? How do we bridge that gap if we’re not even equipped to do that?"

Nonprofits point out they've already been dealing with increased demand for their services since the start of the shutdown.

"When the government shuts down, the disruption in people's lives starts immediately," Triada Stampas with Fulfill NJ, a New Jersey food bank, told the Associated Press. "There are thousands of people at the Jersey Shore who are federal employees, or contractors, or service members. Their lives entered a state of uncertainty as of Oct. 1. Federal workers haven't received a full paycheck. ... Loss of pay is one of the most common triggers of food insecurity."