Several U.S. states are cautioning recipients of food aid that their benefits might not be distributed starting this Saturday if the ongoing federal government shutdown extends into its fourth week.
Alerts posted on around two dozen state websites highlight the possibility of a significant benefit gap in November for individuals who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, and the nearly seven million beneficiaries of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
The shutdown, which commenced on October 1, is now the second-longest in history.
Families with lower incomes eligible for SNAP receive monthly debit cards funded by the federal government, which can be used exclusively for purchasing groceries at authorized stores and farmers’ markets. This program, which supported approximately 41.7 million people with an average of $187 per month, impacts roughly one in every eight Americans.
In the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2024, SNAP incurred costs exceeding $100 billion, including federal taxpayers covering half of the state administrative expenses.
States’ Constraints in Addressing the Void
Democratic senators, House representatives, and mayors urged Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to release November benefits by utilizing a SNAP contingency fund estimated by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities to hold around $5 billion, equivalent to 60% of one month’s benefit expenses.
However, the USDA announced on Friday that it would not access these funds, opting to reserve them for natural disasters and emergencies.
“In essence, the available resources have been exhausted,” stated a notice from the department. “As of now, no benefits will be issued on November 01. Senate Democrats are nearing a critical juncture.”
The decision by a government agency to issue a politically charged message reflects the stance of Democrats who have withheld their support for a spending bill. They demand negotiations with Republicans on extending subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, set to expire for millions by year-end, before agreeing to reopen the government.
Republicans insist that Democrats first agree to end the government shutdown before engaging in negotiations.
Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy from Connecticut accused Republicans and President Donald Trump of avoiding negotiations.
“The truth is, if they were willing to negotiate, we could likely reach a resolution quickly,” Murphy remarked on CNN. “We could have the government up and running by Tuesday or Wednesday, averting any crisis in the food stamp program.”
In the absence of federal intervention, some states have taken steps to provide assistance. California and New York pledged support to food banks, while Virginia declared a state of emergency to cover November benefits on Thursday.
Conversely, some states face limitations in aiding SNAP recipients. Alaska’s Department of Health website stated that utilizing state funds for benefits was unfeasible due to constraints related to vendors and system timelines.