Summary
The U.S. government announced that it will stop paying for the SNAP food aid program starting November 1 due to a government shutdown. More than 40 million Americans use SNAP benefits to help buy groceries. The government shutdown is causing a shortfall in funds for this program.
Key Facts
- SNAP, also known as food stamps, assists over 40 million Americans.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture stated SNAP benefits will stop on November 1.
- The government shutdown is the reason the funds are running out.
- President Trump declined to use a contingency fund for SNAP, citing it needs to be saved for emergencies like natural disasters.
- SNAP provides a family of four an average of $715 per month for groceries.
- Democrats criticized the administration for not using available reserve funds.
- Some states will use their own funds to help cover the shortfall but may not be reimbursed.
- The U.S. shutdown has lasted 26 days, making it the second longest in history.
