"Brandi Johnson, 48, of St. Louis, said she's struggling to make the $20 she has left in her SNAP account stretch. Johnson said she has been skipping meals the past two weeks to make sure her three teenage children have something to eat. She is also helping care for her infant granddaughter, who has food allergies, and her 80-year-old mother. She said food pantries have offered little help in recent days. Many require patrons to live in a certain ZIP code or are dedicated to helping the elderly first."
"Solicitor General D. John Sauer confirmed that the federal government still wants the lower-court orders put on hold, though in a letter to the justices he also pointed to reports that Congress could soon end the shutdown with a compromise that would fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Once passed, the government funding package would refill SNAP funds and ensure that states that spent their own funds to keep it running during the shutdown will be reimbursed."
The administration sought Supreme Court approval to freeze full SNAP payments during the government shutdown while lower courts ordered continuation of benefits. The legal fight affects the program that helps 42 million Americans buy groceries. Millions receive aid while others face delays or uncertainty. A St. Louis recipient reported having just $20 left in her SNAP account, skipping meals to feed children, and finding limited help from food pantries. The Solicitor General noted possible congressional action that could restore SNAP funding and reimburse states that covered benefits during the shutdown.
Read at ABC7 Los Angeles
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