Nutrition Assistance Expected to Expire for 41 Million During Ongoing US Government Shutdown
Federal agriculture authorities declared this past weekend that SNAP funds through a critical national social assistance programs will not be distributed in November due to the ongoing federal closure.
Shutdown Extends Into 25th Day
The federal closure was in three and a half weeks at the time of the statement, coming after calls from over 200 House Democrats asking the department to utilize emergency reserves to pay for November's food assistance.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the USDA stated. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued” on 1 November.
National Consequences
Tens of millions of people rely on the regular assistance, according to the USDA. In certain states, including one southwestern state, use of SNAP reaches 21% of residents.
Documents reviewed by a major news agency revealed that the department decided against using emergency reserves for November food benefits.
Legislative Deadlock
Congressional leaders remain deadlocked about the way to fund and reopen the federal government.
Comments by the director at a prominent policy organization suggested that federal leadership had opportunities to prepare in advance to prevent benefits from running out.
“Officials were able and expected to made moves earlier to get ready to utilize available money,” the comments added. “Conversely, it may choose not to use them for potential political benefit” as Republicans seek to influence Democratic senators to vote for legislation that would resume government operations.
Local Responses
State leaders from two affected states issued emergency declarations recently to allocate funds for hunger relief preparing for nutrition assistance payments stopping during the upcoming period.
