Due to the government shutdown, the USDA has issued a warning that millions of households in the United States who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may experience a severe disruption.
“If the current lapse in appropriations continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million individuals across the Nation.” stated the U.S. Department of Agriculture. State officials in New York, California, Illinois, Florida, and Oregon said delays could happen as a result of that message.
The fact that this news comes just a few weeks before Thanksgiving, when families attempt to gather and share a meal, makes it more unpleasant for the affected ones.
A big worry was expressed by the Greater Chicago Food Depository in Chicago: “Our food pantries are going to be overwhelmed with SNAP participants who rely on that critical lifeline for support and for basic food assistance.” Together, these indicators show how a federal funding shortfall can have an immediate impact on day-to-day living, particularly for individuals who rely on monthly support to put food on the table.
Pressure is building up in some states
The shutdown is currently in its third week, according to federal officials, and the longer it lasts, the more likely it is that November SNAP benefits won’t be paid in full. “Insufficient funds” to cover a program that serves about 42 million people is an alarming claim. The threat is being echoed by states. With a maximum benefit of $994 for a household of four, New York officials warn that November payments may be postponed. Just around three million New Yorkers rely on this assistance, according to the state.
California officials caution that approximately five million people on the West Coast might not get their food stamps in a timely manner. About 2 million people in Illinois are at risk in the Midwest. Officials in Florida, where 3 million people use food stamps, have warned applicants to anticipate delays as well. Similar instructions on potential delays have also been released by Oregon officials in the Pacific Northwest.
Benefits for October will still be processed despite these warnings.
What families could go through
How does a delay affect a typical home? Time is it’s vital here. Many families with weekly budgets may have to make tough choices due to a misplaced or late payment. In Illinois and New York, for example, a family of four may get up to $994 per month. That’s how essential SNAP is to monthly food expenses. If funds are delayed, some families may have to turn to neighborhood services like the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
The warning also comes at a bad time... In preparation for Thanksgiving, which is only a few weeks away, families usually make a larger meal in advance. Benefits delays make that planning more challenging. There is no appearent special provisions or alternative programs, just a clear warning from the USDA .
The consequences for SNAP recipients
What’s coming next is not good, without enough funds to pay SNAP benefits in full for November, and around 42 million people nationwide depending on it, millions of families will have to find solutions to not be hungry in November.
Even a slight delay could cause anxiety for a family that depends on a deposit to pay for necessities.The weight is even heavier since Thanksgiving is knocking at the door and many families will not be able to participate because of it.
Unfortunately, there don’t seem to be many solutions other than limiting what they eat, looking out basic food assistance from neighbours like the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and taking preventative measures for the next month.