Millions of Americans who rely on federal food assistance could face benefit delays if Congress doesn’t break the rules budget stalemate.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) sent a letter to all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) regional directors and state agency directors on October 10 warning that funds for SNAP, also known as food stamps, will run out after October if lawmakers do not pass a new spending bill.
“If the current appropriations shortage continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits to approximately 42 million individuals nationwide,” the letter said.
The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has instructed all states to wait until further notice to send November benefit files to electronic benefits (EBT) providers.
‘REAL CONSEQUENCES’: FOOD AID, FLOOD INSURANCE, FEMA FUNDS IN RISK OF CLOSING, JOHNSON SAYS
The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has instructed all states to wait until further notice to send November benefit files to electronic benefits (EBT) providers. (Getty Images/Photo-Illustration / Getty Images)
The memo signed by Ronald Ward, the agency’s acting deputy administrator, appears to be a precautionary measure intended to buy time until the government can reach an agreement during the shutdown.
“We appreciate the partnership with states administering this critical nutrition assistance program,” Ward wrote. “We will continue to update you with information as we conduct due diligence in our oversight of the program.”
FORECAST MARKETS SIGNAL THAT GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN COULD LAST UNTIL MID-NOVEMBER
More than 42 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits to feed themselves or their families. (Hannah Beier/Bloomberg via Getty Images/Getty Images)
According to Feeding America, for many Americans, the benefits of SNAP are the difference between putting food on the table and their families going hungry. prices for groceries, gasoline and rent remain high, any interruption can be devastating.
“Families, federal employees – including active duty military – people who work for federal contractors and seniors are suddenly faced with impossible choices, not knowing whether paychecks or food benefits will arrive on time,” Feeding America said in a statement calling on Congress to end the shutdown.
GOVERNMENT LOCKOUT 101: WE’VE BEEN HERE BEFORE, THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS
Shoppers are shown at KC Market’s kosher grocer in Boynton Beach, Florida. (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images/Getty Images)
The urgent request comes as Congress remains locked down in what will be the longest budget battle yet, with few signs of progress.
The last time a long-term funding gap threatened SNAP, many states tried to reissue benefits early; However, officials say they may not have the flexibility this time.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
For now, SNAP participants do not need to re-apply or take any action. Their October benefits are safe, and the USDA says it will keep states informed of any changes to emergency plans.
