Summary
The U.S. government shutdown is causing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to run out of funds by November 1, leaving millions of Americans without food assistance. States are now working to figure out temporary solutions, and some states are taking legal action against the federal government to resolve the situation.
Key Facts
- SNAP, also known as food stamps, is the largest U.S. program to fight hunger, helping almost 42 million people.
- The funding for SNAP will stop on November 1 due to a government shutdown.
- Most people using SNAP are elderly, families with children, and those with disabilities.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has told states to pause November benefits due to lack of funds.
- A group of Democratic state leaders is suing the federal government to prevent the suspension of food benefits.
- Alabama and Alaska are among states affected; Alabama will process new applications but not issue benefits, while Alaskans will not get November benefits unless the shutdown ends.
- The USDA says it cannot use emergency funds for SNAP during this shutdown, as those are reserved for natural disasters.
