Summary
Food banks in the U.S. are preparing for more people who need help with food as the government considers stopping SNAP benefits because of a shutdown. Many food pantries, like those in Indianapolis, are already seeing more people needing assistance as the economy slows down.
Key Facts
- Food banks are expecting more people if the government stops food aid this weekend.
- The potential pause is due to an ongoing federal government shutdown.
- SNAP is a program that helps about 40 million Americans, or 1 in 8 people, buy groceries.
- Food aid benefits are distributed via debit cards loaded monthly by the federal government.
- The Trump administration announced it will not use a $5 billion backup fund to continue SNAP in November.
- States that cover the cost of food aid temporarily will not be reimbursed.
