""For the first time ever, SNAP benefits will not be available to the millions of low-income individuals who depend on them to put food on the table," Bonta said. "With the holidays around the corner, we are seeing costs for groceries continue to increase and food banks facing unprecedented demand. We are taking a stand because families will experience hunger and malnutrition if the Trump administration gets its way.""
"About 5.5 million Californians rely on SNAP benefits, which are distributed as debit cards to people making less than the federal poverty line - about $31,000 for a family of four. Last year, Bonta said, 41 million Americans benefited from SNAP, most of them families with children and many of them disabled or elderly. In California, the SNAP program is known as CalFresh."
"The Trump administration has sought to blame Democrats for the shutdown and the suspension of SNAP benefits. Last week, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson told KQED in a statement that Democrats could choose to end the shutdown at any time by supporting a continuing resolution to extend federal appropriations, and a banner now at the top of the USDA's website accuses Democrats of keeping the government closed as they "hold out for health care for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures.""
California and 21 other states have filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's suspension of SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. The complaint contends the USDA had about $6 billion in contingency funds available on Oct. 24 and could continue administering the program despite the shutdown. About 5.5 million Californians and 41 million Americans nationwide rely on SNAP, including many families with children, seniors and disabled individuals; California's program is called CalFresh. State officials warn that suspending benefits amid rising grocery costs and surging food bank demand will cause hunger and malnutrition. The administration blamed Democrats and posted a critical banner on the USDA website.
Read at Kqed
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