States stepping in before federal shutdown impacts food aid for millions of Americans
As the government shutdown continues, states are working to provide food assistance to millions of Americans who rely on SNAP benefits.
As the government shutdown continues, states are working to provide food assistance to millions of Americans who rely on SNAP benefits.
As the government shutdown continues, states are working to provide food assistance to millions of Americans who rely on SNAP benefits.
Millions of Americans may face challenges in buying food for their families as the government shutdown continues, with no new federal funds expected to support SNAP benefits.
The to continue providing federal cash for food, explaining that the reserve is limited to expenses like disaster relief.
Twenty-two million U.S. households receive SNAP benefits, and some states are working to reallocate funds to ensure people receive assistance.
In , Vermont and , lawmakers have pledged to backfill food aid.
Additional funding is planned in , , , and .
is making $80 million available for food banks and sending the National Guard to staff them.
In Illinois, is planning to support the state's food pantries as well.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has said states will not be reimbursed for covering these benefits.
announced across the state to ease part of the burden.
"This will be a bridge. I want to be very clear, it will not make up and backfill everything that is going to drop off starting on Saturday. We do not have that capacity," Walz said.
said, "The best way for SNAP benefits to be paid on time is for the Democrats to end their shutdown and that can happen right now if they would show some spine."
The average monthly payment someone on SNAP receives is $187 per person, and most recipients have incomes at or below the poverty level.
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