Nutrition Assistance Expected to Cease for Tens of Millions During Prolonged Federal Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture stated this past weekend that monthly food benefits through a critical national welfare initiatives are not going out in November amid the persistent government funding lapse.
Closure Continues Through Its Third Week
The government shutdown was in nearly a month when the announcement was made, in response to calls from over 200 House Democrats urging agriculture officials to utilize contingency funds to cover November's food assistance.
“Bottom line, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “Currently, there will be no benefits issued” beginning in November.
Widespread Impact
More than 41 million individuals rely on these monthly payments, per federal data. Some regions, such as one southwestern state, reliance on the program reaches 21% of residents.
Documents reviewed by a major news agency indicated that federal authorities chose not to tap reserve funds to cover next month's assistance.
Political Stalemate
Republicans and Democrats continue to disagree over how to support and resume the federal government.
Comments by the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that federal leadership had opportunities to take earlier action to ensure continuous assistance.
“They had the ability and responsibility made moves before now to be prepared to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Instead, they might decide against it in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to influence Democratic senators to approve legislation that would reopen government operations.
Local Responses
State leaders from Louisiana and Virginia issued emergency declarations this week to make money available to combat potential hunger in anticipation of nutrition assistance payments stopping in November.
