The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that it will not utilize its $6 billion contingency fund to cover food stamp benefits for November, should the federal government shutdown persist. This decision affects approximately 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for vital food assistance. Without a change in stance from the agency, these individuals could find themselves without critical support next month.
President Donald Trump, responding to inquiries about potential funding for SNAP, stated, “Yeah, everybody is going to be in good shape, yep,” yet failed to provide concrete details. This declaration appears to contradict the USDA memo, which clearly communicates that the contingency funds are not legally available to cover regular benefits. The memo specifies that SNAP funds are designated for supplemental support when appropriated funds fall short, but are not applicable to the ongoing fiscal year’s regular benefits due to lack of existing appropriations.
Furthermore, the memo indicates that states will not be reimbursed should they choose to utilize their funds to cover benefits, necessitating widespread concern among those reliant on SNAP. The looming prospect of halting this essential safety net escalates the urgency for Congress to resolve the federal government shutdown, which has now lasted since October 1. The impasse largely stems from disagreements over a federal spending package, with Democrats emphasizing the need for enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies in any temporary funding agreements.
Republican leaders have attributed blame to Democrats for the stalemate, criticizing their approach as detrimental to American families. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins highlighted last week that food stamps could be depleted by the end of this month, intensifying worries for vulnerable populations.
Earlier this month, the agency informed states that adequate funds to cover full food stamp benefits in November would be unavailable if federal funding remained in limbo. It also requested states to delay next month’s payments until more information was available.
Despite these challenges, Democratic lawmakers alongside SNAP advocates assert that the USDA should activate the contingency fund to ensure November benefits are met. They argue that the agency has both the ability and obligation to use these reserves, estimated to be around $8 billion, to sustain food assistance during the funding lapse, as has been done in other areas prioritized by the administration.
Sharon Parrott, president of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, criticized the administration for its claim regarding SNAP benefits, emphasizing the legal obligation to access funds designed for circumstances precisely like the current funding shortfall.
Significantly, about one in eight Americans benefit from SNAP, receiving an average of $188 per month as of May. This program stands as a crucial element of the nation’s safety net in providing essential nutrition.
The situation raises broader concerns as WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), another vital nutrition aid serving nearly 7 million pregnant women, new mothers, and young children, also faced funding shortages. However, the administration redirected $300 million in tariff revenue to sustain WIC operations for the remainder of the month, an approach praised by advocates.
Historically, instances of food stamp funding at risk during government shutdowns are not new. A notable example occurred during the prolonged impasse that began in December 2018, where initially, SNAP benefits were projected to expire but ultimately saw resolution through provisions allowing obligated payments to be dispensed despite the lapse.
While the current scenario poses challenges, the advocacy for immediate solutions reflects a continued commitment to ensuring that vulnerable populations maintain access to food assistance during critical times.