Summary
An ongoing federal government shutdown is putting food assistance at risk for nearly 42 million people in the United States. This includes participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Concerns are growing about increased hunger and financial strain if these programs cannot maintain funding.
Key Facts
- Nearly 42 million people in the U.S. could lose food aid from the SNAP program due to the government shutdown.
- SNAP provides an average of $187 a month to about 1 in 8 U.S. residents.
- The shutdown also threatens funding for the WIC program, affecting 7 million pregnant women and new parents.
- The federal government shutdown means SNAP funding might run out by November 1st.
- USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins warned states that SNAP payments are on hold until further notice.
- The USDA has blame Democrats for the shutdown, linking it to a disagreement on tax credits for the Affordable Care Act.
- Food aid advocates argue USDA should use contingency reserves to keep SNAP funded.
- The WIC program has received temporary funding from tariff funds, but this is expected to run out soon.
