BURLINGTON, N.C. -- The partial federal shutdown is now causing Food and Nutrition Services recipients to get February allotments early, meaning both January and February benefits will arrive this month.

• The February EBT allotments will issue in January, and there will not be any allotments issued in February.
• After January, as long as the government is shut down, families might not have a way to buy food.
• EBT benefits do not expire.

Candice Gobble with Alamance County's Department of Social Services said that means it is important to budget wisely.

"After these release of benefits in January, they will no longer see any benefits issued for February. So the February allotments will issue in January, and there will not be any allotments issued in February,” Gobble explained. "People should budget wisely with their EBT benefits simply to ensure that their food supply lasts throughout the month of February."

But you might need to make that food supply last even longer than February if the shutdown continues.

“At this time, we are not aware or know whether or not any further benefits will be released,” Gobble said.

Meaning it as long as the government is shut down, families might not have a way to buy food.

"Until the government shutdown is resolved, there will not be any more Food and Nutrition Benefits released,” Gobble said.

EBT benefits do not expire. So if you do not spend them, they can stay on your card for up to 12 months.

“Just because you receive them during the month of January, doesn't mean that they immediately have to be used,” said Gobble.

She recommends families contact their local food banks and churches, and check grocery stores for sales.

For additional questions and answers, click here or call 336-290-0355 where updated information will be provided.