Nutrition Assistance Scheduled to Cease for Tens of Millions Amid Continuing US Government Shutdown
USDA officials stated recently that SNAP funds through a critical national social assistance programs are not going out next month amid the persistent government funding lapse.
Closure Continues Into 25th Day
The federal closure lasted nearly a month as officials revealed the news, which followed calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats urging agriculture officials to access reserve accounts to pay for November's food assistance.
“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” the USDA stated. “Now, there will be no benefits issued” starting next month.
National Consequences
Tens of millions of people rely on these food benefits, according to the USDA. Some regions, including one southwestern state, reliance on SNAP affects 21% of residents.
A memo obtained by a major news agency showed that federal authorities decided against using emergency reserves for November food benefits.
Political Stalemate
Congressional leaders continue to disagree about the way to support and resume federal agencies.
Remarks from the leader of a prominent policy organization noted that the administration could have acted to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.
“It could have, and should have taken steps earlier to make arrangements to access these resources,” the remarks concluded. “Rather, it may choose not to use them in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to influence Democratic senators to vote for a funding package that would reopen the federal government.
Local Responses
State leaders from Louisiana and Virginia issued emergency declarations recently to free up resources to address food insecurity expecting SNAP benefits not being issued during the upcoming period.
