Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November will not be distributed due to the government shutdown. This affects about 42 million people who rely on these benefits. The funding gap is due to Congress not passing a budget or temporary funding bill.
Key Facts
- SNAP benefits will not be paid in November because of the government shutdown.
- Congress did not pass a budget or temporary funding before the fiscal year started on October 1.
- SNAP is a mandatory program but still needs Congress to approve funding.
- The USDA will not use contingency funds to maintain SNAP benefits in November.
- About 42 million Americans use SNAP benefits for groceries.
- California has the highest number of SNAP recipients at 5.3 million people.
- New Mexico has the highest percentage of residents receiving SNAP benefits at 21%.
- House Democrats asked the USDA to use contingency funds to provide November benefits.
