While 25 states plus Washington, DC filed a lawsuit on Oct. 28 in an attempt to force the Trump administration to fund November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, questions remain about WIC, which also receives funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) but via different monies and processes.

As the government shutdown stretches into another week, many Montana families are beginning to feel the strain, especially those relying on federal nutrition programs.

Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.) on Tuesday introduced a bill to fund the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during the government shutdown, as the funding lapse threatens payments of benefits if it continues.

A primary difference between WIC and SNAP is that the Women, Infants and Children program provides more than just food. Individuals receiving support can access services like health screening, nutrition and breastfeeding counseling, immunization screening and more, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced a bill to extend SNAP and WIC funding, saying Democrats aim to prevent children from going hungry and families from losing access to food amid the ongoing government shutdown.

As the federal government shutdown reaches it's one-month mark, local food assistance organizations are preparing for an increase in demand when pauses to SNAP

It's been nearly a month since the partial government shutdown has been in effect, but the real pain is expected to kick in on Nov. 1