Food Benefits Scheduled to Expire for Tens of Millions During Continuing Federal Shutdown

Federal agriculture authorities declared on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments from a major federal welfare initiatives will not be distributed during the coming month due to the ongoing government funding lapse.

Shutdown Extends For Nearly Four Weeks

The funding lapse was in three and a half weeks as officials revealed the news, in response to calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats pushing the USDA to access reserve accounts to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.

“Ultimately, the well has run dry,” officials announced. “Now, assistance will not be provided” starting next month.

Widespread Impact

Tens of millions of people depend on these monthly payments, according to the USDA. Some regions, such as New Mexico, dependence on SNAP reaches 21% of residents.

Internal communications seen by Reuters revealed that the department decided against using contingency funding for the upcoming payments.

Political Stalemate

Lawmakers from both parties continue to disagree over how to finance and restart the federal government.

Comments by the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that the administration had chances to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.

“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps earlier to be prepared to utilize available money,” the statement continued. “Instead, officials could opt out to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to influence Democratic senators to vote for legislation to restart the federal government.

States Prepare

Executives in Louisiana and Virginia issued emergency declarations recently to free up resources to address food insecurity in anticipation of nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.