🔗 Share this article Food Benefits Scheduled to End for 41 Million During Continuing Federal Shutdown Federal agriculture authorities announced this past weekend that SNAP funds under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs are not going out next month due to the ongoing government funding lapse. Closure Continues For Nearly Four Weeks The federal closure was in nearly a month as officials revealed the news, in response to appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats urging the department to tap into reserve accounts to fund next month's benefits. “The reality is, funds are depleted,” the USDA stated. “Currently, assistance will not be provided” starting next month. Millions Affected Over 40 million Americans rely on these food benefits, per the USDA. Some regions, like New Mexico, reliance on this assistance is as high as a significant portion of citizens. Internal communications seen by Reuters revealed that USDA officials chose not to tap reserve funds for the upcoming payments. Partisan Impasse Congressional leaders continue to disagree regarding how to finance and restart federal agencies. A statement from the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that the White House had opportunities to take earlier action to prevent benefits from running out. “Officials were able and expected to acted before now to get ready to use these funds,” the statement continued. “Instead, they might decide against it for potential political benefit” while GOP lawmakers attempt to pressure Senate Democrats to support a funding package that would resume the federal government. Emergency Measures State leaders from Louisiana and Virginia issued emergency declarations this week to free up resources to combat potential hunger preparing for food benefits expiring during the upcoming period.