Nutrition Assistance Expected to Cease for Tens of Millions Amid Continuing US Government Shutdown

Federal agriculture authorities declared on Saturday that monthly food benefits under one of the country’s largest support systems will not be distributed during the coming month amid the persistent government funding lapse.

Shutdown Extends Through Its Third Week

The government shutdown had reached nearly a month when the announcement was made, which followed appeals by more than two hundred Democratic representatives pushing agriculture officials to access reserve accounts to cover next month's benefits.

“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” officials announced. “At this time, no payments will be distributed” starting next month.

Widespread Impact

Tens of millions of people count on these food benefits, per federal data. In certain states, such as New Mexico, reliance on the program affects 21% of residents.

Internal communications seen by Reuters revealed that USDA officials chose not to tap emergency reserves to cover next month's assistance.

Legislative Deadlock

Republicans and Democrats are still at odds about the way to finance and restart the federal government.

A statement from the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that federal leadership could have acted to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.

“Officials were able and expected to made moves weeks ago to be prepared to use these funds,” the statement continued. “Conversely, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to vote for legislation to restart government operations.

States Prepare

State leaders from two affected states activated emergency protocols in recent days to allocate funds for hunger relief expecting nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.