"The federal government shutdown continues without an end in sight. In just a few days, tens of millions of people are at risk of losing federal food and nutrition benefits as a result. This includes the nearly 42 million people who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, previously known as food stamps. The Trump administration has warned that the debit-like EBT cards will not be refilled and that the program will run out of money on Nov. 1."
"In a letter dated Oct. 10, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) told state agencies to hold off distributing November benefits "until further notice" because of insufficient funds. The left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has called on the agency to shift money from its contingency fund and other places to keep SNAP at least partially funded. It contends the USDA has a legal obligation to do so since SNAP is an entitlement program."
The federal government shutdown threatens to halt federal food and nutrition benefits, placing nearly 42 million Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients at risk of losing assistance as early as Nov. 1. The administration warned that EBT cards will not be refilled and that SNAP will run out of money. Most recipients are seniors, families with children, and people with disabilities. States administer benefit distribution while the federal government provides funding and EBT infrastructure. The USDA instructed states to delay November distributions due to insufficient funds. Advocacy groups urged tapping contingency funds; USDA says those funds are reserved for disasters, and legal challenges have followed.
Read at www.npr.org
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]