The U.S. Department of Agriculture has posted a notice saying federal food aid won't be going out on November 1, raising anxiety for families across the country as the government shutdown drags on. The USDA stated the contingency funds, approximately $5 billion, will not be accessed to maintain the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which aids about 1 in 8 Americans. With the government in its second-longest shutdown, many states are pushing to continue SNAP benefits while others are preparing food assistance resources. Democratic lawmakers have urged Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to tap into contingency funds for aid, but legal barriers prevent regular benefits from being funded in this way.
Government Shutdown Hits Food Aid for Millions
Government Shutdown Hits Food Aid for Millions
As the U.S. government shutdown continues, vital food assistance programs like SNAP face interruptions, leaving families in distress. What's happening and how are states reacting?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed that federal food aid will not be distributed on November 1 due to the ongoing government shutdown. Without access to approximately $5 billion in contingency funds, many families relying on SNAP benefits could be left without support. With the shutdown now the second longest in history, states are taking action, with some pledging to continue benefits, while others advise families to prepare for the worst. Lawmakers are urging negotiations to restore federal aid promptly.
