Summary
Food banks are warning of a serious hunger crisis because the U.S. government will not be paying SNAP benefits in November due to a government shutdown. SNAP, which helps 42 million Americans buy groceries, is affected as the shutdown has continued for 28 days and halted federal funds. Food banks are preparing to serve many more people since SNAP benefits might not be available.
Key Facts
- SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, helping 42 million low- and no-income Americans buy groceries.
- The U.S. government shutdown, lasting 28 days, means SNAP benefits may not be paid in November.
- Food banks like the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Greater Boston Food Bank expect increased demand without SNAP benefits.
- Atlanta Community Food Bank is the fourth largest in the U.S. and could lose 15% of its food supply due to the shutdown.
- Greater Boston Food Bank may need to serve 56 million more meals than usual without SNAP aid.
- SNAP relies on federal funding, which has stopped due to the shutdown, affecting its operation.
- The USDA, managing SNAP, indicates that it can't use emergency funds to cover the program during the shutdown.
- Ending the government shutdown and restoring SNAP payments is critical to avoid widespread hunger.
