Millions of Americans are at risk of losing access to food assistance as the federal government shutdown drags on, with officials warning that funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could run dry within weeks if Congress fails to reach a deal.
States are beginning to halt or delay payments for SNAP amid warnings that federal funds could soon run out.
According to the USDA website, SNAP benefits are meant to provide “food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget.”
In Texas, where roughly 3.5 million people depend on the program, officials from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission have stated that SNAP benefits will not be available if the shutdown extends past October 27.
“That’s how we feed the kids, but it’s also how we stretch meals through the week. And also through the end of the month and so without it we will be choosing between food and bills,” explained Austin resident Chevas Watson, per KHOU 11. “I already plan every meal with my partner to the dollar and if that card doesn’t load in November there’s no back up plan.”
Nationally, the issues are also expected to persist in the coming weeks, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) stating in a memo that SNAP benefits will run out with a continued shutdown.
The USDA further states in the memo, which was signed by acting Head of SNAP Ronald Ward, that “there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million individuals across the Nation.”
“We appreciate the partnership with States that administer this critical nutrition assistance program,” Ward wrote in the memo, per Fox Business. “We will continue to keep you apprised with information as we exercise due diligence in our oversight of the program.”
SNAP has been one of many government assistance programs that is expecting to halt services due to the ongoing shutdown, with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) also stating that program funds will run out at the end of the month.
WIC had previously received roughly $300 million at the beginning of the shutdown to support over 7 million low-income mothers, young children, and expectant parents. However, those funds are now expected to run out if a resolution is not passed.
“Without additional funding, State WIC Agencies may be forced to take drastic measures that prevent families from accessing the services they need, such as halting food benefits. This would directly jeopardize the health and nutrition of millions of mothers, babies, and young children,” wrote National WIC Association CEO Georgia Machell in a statement, per ABC News.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, multiple government departments have also been forced to furlough many workers, with the National Nuclear Security Administration recently announcing plans to furlough roughly 80% of its staff until the shutdown ends.