As the government shutdown enters its 15th day … Today, alarm bells are sounding over how this might threaten the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which serves as a lifeline for millions of low-income Americans. The shutdown, stemming from funding disputes, poses a significant threat to individuals who rely on SNAP benefits for their daily sustenance, particularly as the holiday season approaches.
SNAP’s acting head, Ronald Ward, explained this in a letter last month to state public health administrators. He stressed that money to pay benefits and operations is guaranteed through October. A longer-term shutdown may threaten the program’s capacity to issue November benefits. This unforeseen disruption would impact about 42 million people across our country who rely on these critical food assistance programs.
“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,” – Ronald Ward
SNAP benefits are a lifeline in more ways than one to tens of millions of food insecure Americans. They provide emergency aid that is adjusted according to unemployment rates, food prices and seasons. Food banks and other social service providers prepare for their most challenging time of year around the holidays. On one end, advocates and state officials are justifiably concerned about the possibility of interrupting SNAP benefits.
In his letter, Ward directed states to develop a “worst case scenario.” This plan would need to be prepared in case business operations must shut down prior to exporting November benefit files to vendors. He emphasized the need for this preparation because of the real world constraints connected to automated technology.
“Considering the operational issues and constraints that exist in automated systems, and in the interest of preserving maximum flexibility, we are forced to direct States to hold their November issuance files and delay transmission to State EBT vendors until further notice,” – Ronald Ward
This increased reliance on SNAP underscores how central the program has become within communities, particularly in times of economic hardship, such as these. The relationship between unemployment rates and increasing food costs directly impacts how many people are looking for SNAP support.
With the deadline for November’s benefits quickly approaching, stakeholders are now raising alarm bells about the need to avert the funding crisis. If we fail to do so, we threaten to put millions out of work. Millions of Americans depend on these vital nutrition benefits to keep food on their tables.
