Food Benefits Expected to Expire for 41 Million Throughout Ongoing US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture announced recently that monthly food benefits through a critical national support systems won't be issued during the coming month due to the ongoing federal closure.
Closure Continues Through Its Third Week
The funding lapse had reached three and a half weeks at the time of the statement, which followed calls from over 200 House Democrats urging the USDA to access contingency funds to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.
“The reality is, the well has run dry,” the USDA stated. “At this time, assistance will not be provided” beginning in November.
National Consequences
Tens of millions of people rely on these food benefits, according to the USDA. In certain states, including one southwestern state, reliance on SNAP is as high as a significant portion of citizens.
Internal communications seen by a major news agency showed that USDA officials chose not to tap reserve funds for November food benefits.
Political Stalemate
Lawmakers from both parties are still at odds regarding how to support and resume federal agencies.
A statement from the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that federal leadership had chances to act sooner to prevent benefits from running out.
“They had the ability and responsibility acted weeks ago to be prepared to use these funds,” the remarks concluded. “Conversely, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” as conservative leaders work to push upper chamber Democrats to vote for a funding package to restart the federal government.
Local Responses
Executives in multiple regions declared states of emergency recently to free up resources to address food insecurity preparing for food benefits expiring during the upcoming period.
