Molly Ingram

In Connecticut, more than 360,000 residents rely on SNAP.

The federal government usually doles out $72 million for the program in the state, but hasn't this month because of the shutdown.

Governor Ned Lamont says he's done waiting for the Fed to step in and that it's, quote, unacceptable to use Americans and their access to food as political pawns.

The money will come from the state's rainy day fund.

Lamont says he plans to keep SNAP funded until the shutdown ends.

For NPR News, I'm Molly Ingram in Fairfield, Connecticut.