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Millions of Americans who rely on federal food assistance could face delays in their benefits if Congress does not break its budget stagnation.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) sent a letter on October 10 to all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) regional directors and state agency heads warning that funding for SNAP, also known as food stamps, will run out after October if lawmakers do not pass a new spending bill.
“If the current delay in allocations continues, there will not be enough funds to pay full November SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million people nationwide,” the letter reads.
USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has told all states to postpone sending November benefit files to electronic benefit transfer (EBT) providers until further notice.
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USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has told all states to postpone sending November benefit files to electronic benefit transfer (EBT) providers until further notice. (Getty Images/Photo Illustration/Getty Images)
The memo signed by Ronald Ward, the agency’s acting associate administrator, appears to be a precaution intended to buy time until the government can reach an agreement during the shutdown.
“We appreciate the partnership with the states that administer this critical nutrition assistance program,” Ward wrote. “We will continue to keep you informed as we exercise due diligence in our oversight of the program.”
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More than 42 million Americans depend on SNAP benefits to feed themselves or their families. (Hannah Beier/Bloomberg via Getty Images/Getty Images)
SNAP benefits for many Americans are the difference between putting food on the table and their families going hungry, according to Feeding America, and as Food, gas and rent prices remain high. any interruption could be devastating.
“Families, federal workers, including active-duty military, people working for federal contractors, and seniors are suddenly faced with impossible decisions without knowing whether paychecks or food benefits will arrive on time,” Feeding America said in a statement urging Congress to end the shutdown.
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Shoppers are shown at KC Market’s Kosher supermarket in Boynton Beach, Florida. (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images/Getty Images)
The urgent request arises as Congress remains blocked in what is becoming the longest budget fight yet, with few signs of progress.
The last time a prolonged lack of funding threatened SNAP, many states rushed to reissue benefits early; However, officials say they may not have the flexibility this time.
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For now, SNAP participants do not need to reapply or take any action. Your October benefits are secure and the USDA says it will keep states informed of any changes to contingency plans.
