Summary
Food banks across the United States are preparing for increased demand as the federal government plans to halt the distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on November 1st. This pause means that 42 million Americans might not receive the food aid they rely on, leading to a possible hunger crisis. Some states are trying to find temporary solutions, but long-term uncertainty remains.
Key Facts
- The federal government plans to stop SNAP benefits for 42 million people starting November 1st due to a government shutdown.
- SNAP benefits help low-income families to buy food.
- Food banks expect a surge in demand that they cannot handle alone.
- Recent changes in federal policies have increased the work requirements to receive SNAP benefits.
- Some states have warned residents that they will not get their November SNAP benefits.
- The USDA says it cannot use its reserve funds to cover November benefits.
- The lack of SNAP support will disproportionately affect low-income families already struggling with other government aid cuts.
- Companies like DoorDash are offering support by waiving fees for food banks to help address the shortfall.
