USDA Announces: No Food Benefits in November Due to Government Shutdown

TL/DR –

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that food benefits under one of the country’s main social assistance programs will not be issued in November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The news comes as Democrats in the House of Representatives have urged the USDA to use its emergency reserves to fund November food benefits. The move could affect over 41 million individuals who rely on the monthly payments, including 21% of residents in some states, like New Mexico.

USDA Halts November Food Benefits Amid Federal Shutdown

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that food assistance programs won’t be providing benefits in November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

This decision, made during the shutdown’s 25th day, follows requests from over 200 Democrats calling on the USDA to use emergency funds to support November’s food benefits. Congress remains divided on resolving this issue.

“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the USDA said in a post on its website, ruling out benefits issuance on 1 November. Over 41 million people depend on this aid, with states like New Mexico having up to 21% of population relying on it, according to USDA.

A department memo revealed that emergency reserves won’t be tapped for November food benefits. Sharon Parrott of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities criticized the Trump administration for not acting sooner to prevent benefits from running out.

“It could have, and should have, taken steps weeks ago to use these funds. Instead, it may choose not to use them to gain political leverage” as Republicans press Senate Democrats to pass a spending bill reopening the federal government, Parrott said, as per the Hill.

In response, the Governors of Louisiana and Virginia have declared states of emergencies to mobilize funds for hunger relief. This emergency response anticipates no Snap benefits being issued in November.

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