ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Tompkins County is bracing for a potential pause in federal food benefits.

An executive order was issued Thursday authorizing up to $50,000 of the county’s money to buy and distribute food to residents, who will soon feel the effects of the government shutdown. Federal funding for SNAP benefits is expected to pause tomorrow, unless Congress agrees to end the shutdown. Tompkins County DSS says roughly 7,200 county residents receive SNAP benefits.

“This emergency action allows us to respond quickly to protect the health and well-being of Tompkins County residents who depend on SNAP benefits. We are committed to supporting our community until federal assistance is restored,” county administrator Korsah Akumfi said.

Officials say Akumfi’s emergency order takes effect immediately “and will remain in place until federal benefits resume or additional relief becomes available.”