Food Benefits Scheduled to Cease for 41 Million Throughout Continuing Federal Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture announced on Saturday that monthly food benefits under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs are not going out during the coming month because of the continuing government funding lapse.
Shutdown Extends Through Its Third Week
The government shutdown was in three and a half weeks when the announcement was made, coming after appeals by more than two hundred Democratic representatives asking the department to access emergency reserves to cover the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Bottom line, resources are exhausted,” the USDA stated. “Currently, no payments will be distributed” beginning in November.
Millions Affected
More than 41 million individuals rely on these monthly payments, per federal data. Some regions, such as New Mexico, use of SNAP is as high as one-fifth of the population.
Documents reviewed by Reuters indicated that federal authorities would not access emergency reserves to cover next month's assistance.
Political Stalemate
Lawmakers from both parties continue to disagree regarding how to support and resume government operations.
Comments by the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that the White House had chances to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.
“It could have, and should have acted weeks ago to be prepared to utilize available money,” the comments added. “Conversely, they might decide against it in an effort to gain political advantage” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to vote for legislation that would resume federal functions.
Emergency Measures
Executives in two affected states activated emergency protocols recently to make money available for hunger relief expecting nutrition assistance payments stopping in November.
