Food Benefits Expected to Expire for Tens of Millions Throughout Prolonged Federal Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture stated this past weekend that monthly food benefits under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs are not going out in November because of the continuing government funding lapse.
Closure Continues Through Its Third Week
The government shutdown had reached its 25th day at the time of the statement, in response to demands from hundreds of Democratic representatives pushing agriculture officials to access emergency reserves to fund the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” the USDA stated. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued” starting next month.
Millions Affected
Over 40 million Americans rely on the regular assistance, according to federal data. In certain states, including one southwestern state, dependence on SNAP reaches 21% of residents.
Internal communications seen by journalists showed that USDA officials would not access emergency reserves for November food benefits.
Political Stalemate
Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked regarding how to finance and restart government operations.
Remarks from the director at a budget research center suggested that federal leadership could have acted to prepare in advance to avoid interruption in payments.
“Officials were able and expected to acted weeks ago to be prepared to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Instead, it may choose not to use them for potential political benefit” as Republicans seek to pressure Senate Democrats to approve legislation that would reopen the federal government.
Local Responses
Governors in multiple regions declared states of emergency in recent days to free up resources to combat potential hunger preparing for SNAP benefits not being issued during the upcoming period.
