Americans face a "tough time" as food banks are unlikely to be able to meet the demand amid the government shutdown.

The battle over food stamps has emerged as the latest flash point in the fierce partisan clash over government spending. Republicans in Congress are increasingly highlighting the imminent shortfall facing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in a bid to pressure Democrats to help end the ongoing shutdown.

The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York was facing soaring demand before the shutdown. Cuts to food stamps could push it to the limit.

More than 200 Democratic lawmakers sent a letter Friday to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins urging her to use the contingency fund to continue the program.

The government shutdown is now on Day 25 with no resolution in sight, as both sides remain entrenched in their positions over th

The federal government shutdown is nearing the four-week mark, with lawmakers seemingly no closer to a deal. Friday came without a paycheck for many impacted D.C. federal workers.

Agriculture Department officials said Friday they cannot use a contingency fund to continue paying the SNAP program, despite earlier shutdown guidance allowing its use.

States are warning that they won't be able to provide food assistance on Nov. 1 unless a deal to reopen the government is reached.