Nutrition Assistance Scheduled to Cease for Tens of Millions Amid Prolonged Government Closure
Federal agriculture authorities announced this past weekend that monthly food benefits from a major federal support systems won't be issued in November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Impasse Persists Through Its Third Week
The funding lapse lasted nearly a month when the announcement was made, in response to calls from over 200 House Democrats urging the USDA to access reserve accounts to fund the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the department confirmed. “Currently, there will be no benefits issued” beginning in November.
Millions Affected
Tens of millions of people count on these food benefits, as reported by the USDA. Some regions, like New Mexico, dependence on this assistance is as high as a significant portion of citizens.
A memo obtained by journalists showed that the department decided against using emergency reserves for November food benefits.
Legislative Deadlock
Lawmakers from both parties remain deadlocked over how to support and resume federal agencies.
Comments by the leader of a prominent policy organization noted that the administration had opportunities to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.
“It could have, and should have made moves weeks ago to be prepared to access these resources,” the remarks concluded. “Instead, it may choose not to use them for potential political benefit” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to support legislation that would resume federal functions.
States Prepare
State leaders from two affected states declared states of emergency recently to make money available to combat potential hunger in anticipation of SNAP benefits not being issued next month.
