Summary
A government shutdown could stop SNAP benefits, which help over 40 million Americans buy food. Families relying on these benefits are worried about how to get food without them. Food banks expect higher demand if the benefits stop.
Key Facts
- SNAP benefits, which help millions of Americans buy food, might not be available in November due to a government shutdown.
- The USDA says they can't issue November SNAP benefits during this shutdown.
- SNAP supports nearly 42 million low- and no-income people, including families with children, older adults, and people with disabilities.
- SNAP recipients have expressed concern over not having enough money for daily needs without these benefits.
- Food banks are getting ready for increased demand if the SNAP benefits are not issued.
- The government shutdown started because of a disagreement over funding for enhanced Obamacare subsidies.
- The USDA has contingency funds, but they can't use them for SNAP benefits without legal approval.
- Twenty-five states have sued the federal government to make the USDA release funds for SNAP.
