Summary
Due to a government shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be paid in November unless Congress agrees to fund the federal government. Various U.S. states are using their own funds to continue support for SNAP recipients. This situation affects over 42 million Americans who rely on these benefits.
Key Facts
- Benefits for SNAP recipients are on hold in November because the U.S. government lacks funding.
- SNAP provides help to nearly 42 million people, many of whom have children, are older adults, or have disabilities.
- Virginia and Louisiana are using state funds to continue SNAP payments temporarily.
- California plans to use $80 million to support food banks and may involve the National Guard in distributing food.
- Colorado has requested $10 million from its state fund for food banks.
- New York intends to use $30 million for meals for its SNAP recipients.
- The USDA will not reimburse states that use state funds to cover SNAP benefits during the shutdown.
