SNAP Payments Set to Expire for Over 40 Million Amid Continuing US Government Shutdown

The United States Department of Agriculture announced on Saturday that SNAP funds through a critical national social assistance programs won't be issued in November because of the continuing federal government shutdown.

Shutdown Extends Through Its Third Week

The government shutdown lasted nearly a month at the time of the statement, in response to appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats pushing the department to utilize contingency funds to fund November's food assistance.

“Bottom line, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “Currently, there will be no benefits issued” beginning in November.

Millions Affected

Tens of millions of people rely on these food benefits, according to the USDA. Various areas, like New Mexico, reliance on the program reaches one-fifth of the population.

A memo obtained by Reuters indicated that USDA officials would not access reserve funds for November food benefits.

Political Stalemate

Republicans and Democrats continue to disagree about the way to fund and reopen government operations.

Remarks from the head of a budget research center suggested that federal leadership could have acted to prepare in advance to prevent benefits from running out.

“It could have, and should have taken steps before now to get ready to utilize available money,” the comments added. “Instead, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” as conservative leaders work to influence Democratic senators to support a spending bill that would reopen the federal government.

Local Responses

Governors in multiple regions activated emergency protocols recently to make money available for hunger relief preparing for food benefits expiring in November.