Nutrition Assistance Scheduled to Expire for 41 Million Amid Ongoing US Government Shutdown
Federal agriculture authorities announced on Saturday that SNAP funds from a major federal social assistance programs will not be distributed in November amid the persistent government funding lapse.
Closure Continues For Nearly Four Weeks
The funding lapse lasted nearly a month as officials revealed the news, which followed demands from hundreds of Democratic representatives asking the USDA to access reserve accounts to fund the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” the department confirmed. “Currently, assistance will not be provided” beginning in November.
Millions Affected
More than 41 million individuals depend on these food benefits, according to the USDA. In certain states, including one southwestern state, reliance on SNAP reaches 21% of residents.
A memo obtained by a major news agency indicated that federal authorities would not access reserve funds for November food benefits.
Political Stalemate
Republicans and Democrats continue to disagree over how to support and resume government operations.
Remarks from the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that the White House had chances to act sooner to ensure continuous assistance.
“They had the ability and responsibility made moves before now to make arrangements to use these funds,” the remarks concluded. “Instead, they might decide against it in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to push upper chamber Democrats to approve a funding package to restart federal functions.
Local Responses
Executives in multiple regions activated emergency protocols recently to allocate funds for hunger relief expecting SNAP benefits not being issued in November.
