Funding for some of Snap’s food stamps could be delayed in November for 42 million Americans
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Millions of Americans who rely on federal food assistance could face delayed benefits if Congress does not break its stalemate.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) sent a letter on Oct. 10 out of all Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) directors STATE Agency warns SNAP money, will end after October if advocates don’t approve new spending money.
“If the appropriations freeze continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay the full benefits of the November Snap for approximately 42 million people nationwide,” the letter reads.
USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has told all states to hold off on sending November benefit files to electronic benefit vendors (EBT) until further notice.
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USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has told all states to hold off on sending November benefit files to electronic benefit vendors (EBT) until further notice. (Getty Images / image / Getty Images)
The memo signed by Ronald Ward, the head of the Orting Admicer Agency, appears to be a precautionary measure designed to buy time until the government reaches an agreement on the shutdown.
“Thank you for partnering with the States that are running this critical nutrition assistance program,” Ward wrote. “We will continue to keep you informed as we test it because of our oversight of this program.”
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More than 42 million Americans rely on Snap benefits to support themselves or their families. (Hannah Beer/Bloomberg via Getty Images/Getty Images)
The benefits of Snap for many Americans is the difference between putting food on the table and their hungry families, according to feeding America, and as food prices, and rental prices are always high, any disruption can seem painful.
“Families, federal employees – including active duty military – people who work for Federal contractors and seniors are suddenly faced with the impossible decisions of not knowing whether paychecks or food benefits will arrive on time,” said the food aid in time,
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Shoppers are shown at Kosher Grocer KC Market’s in Boynton Beach, Florida. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel / Tribune News Service via Getty Images / Getty Images)
The urgent request comes as Congress remains locked in what is turning into the longest budget of all, with little sign of progress.
The last time a prolonged bankruptcy threatened SNAP, many states scrambled to get benefits back early; However, officials say they may not be flexible on this.
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Currently, snap participants do not need to apply or take any action. Their October benefits for Fork Ofthoba are protected, and the USDA says it will keep states updated on any changes in emergency plans.
