EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — As the government shutdown continues, millions of Americans are on the brink of losing their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, also known as food stamps.

This looming crisis is causing anxiety among residents in the borderland who rely on this assistance to feed their families.

In El Paso, the impact is already visible. On Wednesday, there were long lines formed at the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank, the city’s food bank, which also supplies resources to food pantries in the city.

As residents brace for the expiration of SNAP benefits in just a few days.

KFOX14/CBS4 spoke to El Pasoans, who preferred not to be interviewed on camera, who expressed their concerns about the prolonged federal impasse and its effect on their ability to provide for their families.

Many said food stamps help afford food for their families.

The food bank has reported a significant increase in demand recently, than when the shutdown first happened.

Despite the urgency, lawmakers on Capitol Hill have yet to pass measures to alleviate the pressure on affected Americans.

Sen. Ron Wyden highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “If ever you’ve met the definition of disaster, it is hungry kids, seniors and disabled folks having nowhere to turn for basic nutrition.”

President Trump, meanwhile, remarked, “All they have to do is say let’s get back to business and we’re back. There’s nothing to sign and there’s nothing to negotiate.”

In neighboring New Mexico, the state government is stepping in to mitigate the impact.

Starting Nov. 1, New Mexico will allocate $30 million to ensure low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities continue receiving food assistance.

These emergency funds will be added to existing EBT cards, covering food costs through the first week and a half of November.

In Texas, the Youth Peace and Justice Foundation is expanding its emergency food card assistance to 12 counties, and in El Paso they are distributing Walmart gift cards to families in need.

RECOMMENDED: Texas charity steps up with 2,000 gift cards for El Paso families amid SNAP halt

RECOMMENDED: New Mexico to provide $30 million to aid residents losing SNAP benefits

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