🔗 Share this article Nutrition Assistance Expected to End for Over 40 Million During Continuing Federal Shutdown Federal agriculture authorities announced on Saturday that SNAP funds under one of the country’s largest support systems won't be issued during the coming month due to the ongoing government funding lapse. Shutdown Extends Into 25th Day The government shutdown was in three and a half weeks as officials revealed the news, in response to demands from hundreds of Democratic representatives asking the department to utilize emergency reserves to pay for next month's benefits. “The reality is, the well has run dry,” the USDA stated. “Now, there will be no benefits issued” starting next month. Widespread Impact Over 40 million Americans count on these food benefits, as reported by official statistics. Some regions, like New Mexico, use of this assistance affects a significant portion of citizens. A memo obtained by Reuters showed that federal authorities decided against using contingency funding for the upcoming payments. Legislative Deadlock Lawmakers from both parties are still at odds regarding how to finance and restart federal agencies. Comments by the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that the White House could have acted to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments. “It could have, and should have acted earlier to be prepared to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Instead, it may choose not to use them for potential political benefit” as conservative leaders work to push upper chamber Democrats to support a spending bill that would resume the federal government. Local Responses Governors in multiple regions declared states of emergency recently to make money available for hunger relief in anticipation of nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.