Gov. Janet Mills has directed Maine DHHS to issue full November SNAP benefits after federal rulings order USDA to release funds amid the ongoing government shutdown.

Non-profit Maine Equal Justice said SNAP benefit amounts could be about half of what they were for single parents and elderly couples, and some working families might get no benefit at all.

It's unclear when Maine residents will see federal SNAP benefits, but recipients will still get help from the state government.

The announcement that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits wouldn’t be distributed in November rippled through Maine, where tens of thousands of households rely on assistance for food. The news has prompted leaders at all levels of government in Maine to call on the federal government to distribute the benefits to avoid a crisis for recipients.

STATEWIDE-- Governor Janet Mills says Mainers will begin to receive SNAP benefits starting Monday despite updated guidance from the U.S Department of Agriculture over the weekend directing states not

AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) - Republican leaders including former Gov. Paul LePage hosted a food drive Thursday. It was an annual tradition when LePage held office, but he says he’s bringing it back due to the suspension of SNAP benefits, also adding he hopes the government shutdown ends soon.

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump said his administration would only partially fund SNAP benefits, despite a federal court ruling requiring full disbursement.