The ongoing government shutdown has prompted the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to announce a plan that may provide partial relief to millions of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries. However, recipients remain uncertain about when these funds will be available.
USDA’s Plan for SNAP Benefits Amid Shutdown
USDA will utilize $4.6 billion in contingency funds to cover 50% of November benefits for SNAP participants. This announcement was made in a declaration to the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island by Patrick Penn, a USDA official overseeing SNAP operations.
Timeline for Fund Distribution
Despite the announcement, the timeline for disbursing these partial benefits remains unclear. According to USDA, procedural changes are required in each state before benefits can be issued. Some states may take anywhere from several weeks to months to adapt their systems.
- Patrick Penn stated that states must adjust procedures to issue partial benefits.
- Victoria Negus from the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute underscored the variability in timelines across states.
- Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey indicated that it could take days to reload SNAP cards once funds are released.
Impact on Beneficiaries
As confusion surrounding SNAP continues, CBS News spoke with three recipients who shared their concerns. Many are turning to local food banks to help cope with the potential disruption in benefits.
- Shatika Griffin, a 45-year-old mother from Buffalo, NY, supports seven children, including a son with autism. She typically relies on her $1,100 monthly SNAP benefits, using the funds for essential food staples.
- Kelly Lennox, a 64-year-old Baltimore resident, has been unable to work due to a hit-and-run accident in May 2024. She uses the $192 she receives monthly to buy fresh produce and plans to visit food banks if her SNAP benefits are disrupted.
- Kathleen Hurd, also 64 and from Detroit, is responsible for her two grandchildren. She receives around $390 monthly in SNAP benefits, which she utilizes for basic food items. Hurd has expressed her concerns about high food prices making it hard to manage without her benefits.
With the situation evolving, many SNAP beneficiaries are preparing to cut back on their purchases and are leaning on food banks for assistance. The USDA has emphasized the need for states to act quickly in implementing the changes required to support SNAP recipients during this challenging time.
