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A federal food assistance program that helps about one-eighth Americans Buying groceries has been halted since November 1 due to the government shutdown, and even some states that wanted to step in to fill the gap have found they can’t.
Recipients of food assistance, food banks, states and advocates are preparing for a freeze on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, payments at the end of next week. Here’s what to know.
It is not certain that the program will be stopped, but it seems likely.
Low-income families who qualify for SNAP are provided by the federal government with debit cards loaded each month that work only for groceries at participating stores and farmers markets.
The average monthly benefit per person is $187. Most beneficiaries have incomes at or below the poverty level.
Time is running out to continue making gains in November.
Congress and president donald trump A deal could be reached to end the federal shutdown that began Oct. 1.
It’s also possible that the federal government will allocate funding for the program even if the shutdown continues. The Liberal Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates there is about $5 billion available in the contingency fund and is calling on the government to use it for a partial benefit in November. It is not clear whether this is being discussed seriously or not.
The USDA did not respond to questions from The Associated Press about whether those funds could be tapped.
States have also indicated that benefits could be delayed even if a deal is reached to fund SNAP for November.
States have limited ability to help
Officials in Alaska, New Mexico and North Dakota have said they have considered using state money to continue food assistance, but fear the federal government’s directive could make that impossible.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP, told states earlier this month not to send information to vendors that offer debit cards because of uncertainty about whether the program will still be funded in November.
State officials say federal control over the system appears to be hindering their efforts to finance the program on their own.
“Without USDA action, I think it is highly unlikely that any states will release November SNAP benefits,” Caroline Vega, policy analyst at the advocacy group Share Our Strength, said in an email. “In addition to the technical challenges, states cannot afford that cost, especially with the risk that it will not be refunded.”
Losing SNAP could mean tough choices for beneficiaries
Sylvia Serrano receives $100 a month to help buy groceries for herself and her four grandchildren in Camden, New Jersey.
Two Her grandchildren have autism, and due to their dislike of certain textures they only eat certain foods that are unlikely to be available in food banks.
Without SNAP it may also be difficult for him to get food. She now does her shopping when the children are at school, using a grocery store that is close to home due to her car not being reliable.
She says that with SNAP, she can mostly cover her other expenses. without it? “I would have to send in underpayments or something to make ends meet and then the bills would fall behind,” Serrano said.
Some states are encouraging storage and others are asking for help
Some states are telling SNAP recipients to prepare for benefits to be cut off.
Arkansas is advising recipients to identify food pantries and other groups that may be able to help, and ask friends and family for assistance.
It is unclear whether any benefits left on recipients’ EBT cards will be available for use on November 1. Arkansas officials suggest people who have a balance on their card use it on shelf-stable foods this month.
On the other hand, officials in Missouri and Pennsylvania expect past benefits to remain accessible and are telling beneficiaries to save for November if possible.
Oklahoma is encouraging people receiving benefits to visit a state website that connects people with nonprofits, faith-based groups, Native American tribes and others who may be able to help with food.
California Government. Gavin NewsomOne Democrat said this week he would deploy the National Guard to help food banks. “It is serious, it is urgent – and immediate action is required,” he said.
Food banks can become a support for many beneficiaries
Cuts to separate federal programs this year have already put food banks that supply food pantries in a difficult position, said George Matysik, executive director of the Share Food Program in Philadelphia.
Therefore, it may be difficult to cope with the anticipated increase in demand.
Matysik said this is especially sobering for his organization and others in Pennsylvania, where the state government budget impasse means the interruption of at least one other funding stream. He said the group has had to cut its budget by about 20%, or $8.5 million, this year.
He said, “Whenever any crisis befalls us, the working class is the first to feel the pain.”
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Associated Press reporters Sophie Austin in Sacramento, California; Scott Bauer in Madison, Wisconsin; Becky Bohrer in Juneau, Alaska; Jack Brook in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Jack Dura in Bismarck, North Dakota; Susan High in Hartford, Connecticut; John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas; Mark Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Morgan Lee in Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Shawn Murphy in Oklahoma City contributed to this article.