Nutrition Assistance Set to End for Tens of Millions Amid Ongoing US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture announced this past weekend that SNAP funds under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs are not going out during the coming month amid the persistent federal closure.
Closure Continues Through Its Third Week
The funding lapse was in its 25th day at the time of the statement, coming after appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats pushing the department to access reserve accounts to fund next month's benefits.
“Ultimately, funds are depleted,” the department confirmed. “Now, assistance will not be provided” beginning in November.
National Consequences
More than 41 million individuals depend on these food benefits, as reported by the USDA. In certain states, like New Mexico, use of the program affects 21% of residents.
A memo obtained by journalists showed that the department would not access contingency funding for November food benefits.
Partisan Impasse
Congressional leaders continue to disagree over how to finance and restart the federal government.
A statement from the leader of a prominent policy organization suggested that the White House had chances to prepare in advance to avoid interruption in payments.
“Officials were able and expected to taken steps earlier to make arrangements to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Instead, it may choose not to use them in an effort to gain political advantage” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to support a funding package that would resume government operations.
Local Responses
State leaders from Louisiana and Virginia declared states of emergency this week to make money available to combat potential hunger in anticipation of food benefits expiring next month.
