Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that federal food aid through the SNAP program will not be distributed on November 1 due to a government shutdown that began on October 1. This will affect many Americans, as SNAP helps about 1 in 8 people buy groceries. The situation is part of a political disagreement between Republicans and Democrats over government funding and healthcare subsidies.
Key Facts
- The USDA posted a notice stating no federal food aid will go out on November 1.
- The shutdown started on October 1 and is the second-longest in U.S. history.
- SNAP benefits help 1 in 8 Americans with food purchases.
- The administration will not use $5 billion in contingency funds for SNAP in November.
- Contingency funds are reserved for emergencies like natural disasters.
- Some states may continue SNAP benefits temporarily but won’t be reimbursed by the federal government.
- The shutdown involves a standoff over healthcare subsidies and government funding negotiations between Republicans and Democrats.
