State governments are warning that millions of families may go without food assistance next month as the ongoing government shutdown threatens November’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments. The program, which provides food aid to over 42 million Americans, could run out of federal funds within weeks, according to the Department of Agriculture.
Pennsylvania officials said SNAP benefits would not be distributed beginning Oct. 16, citing the failure of Congress to pass a spending bill. Similar alerts have been issued by West Virginia, Texas, Minnesota, and Illinois, advising residents to contact local food resources if benefits are delayed.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told reporters last week that “millions of vulnerable families” will be affected if the shutdown continues. In 2019, during the last prolonged shutdown, the USDA issued February benefits early, creating a month-long gap that left low-income families struggling to buy food.
The USDA has directed states not to load November benefits onto electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards until further notice. Economists warn that if the shutdown extends into November, it could reduce grocery sales nationwide and strain food banks already facing increased demand.
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