A federal food aid payment has been canceled for millions of Americans due to the ongoing government shutdown. The US Department of Agriculture announced on Monday that it will no longer provide benefits, citing a lack of funding from contingency funds. However, experts say the decision will leave vulnerable individuals without access to essential support.
Gina Plata-Nino, interim director for SNAP at the Food Research & Action Center, warned that the situation is dire and could have long-lasting consequences. "The people relying on this benefit are our most vulnerable," she said, highlighting the struggles faced by those living paycheck to paycheck, including veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
Plata-Nino pointed out that one in eight Americans depends on SNAP benefits, which are already a crucial source of sustenance for millions. The program is meant to be supplemental, but for many people, it's their sole means of affording food. "This program's supposed to be supplemental, but for many people, this is their sole food budget," she stressed.
During the 2018-2019 government shutdown, which lasted 34 days, the administration was able to secure funding to issue benefits ahead of time. However, this time around, the USDA has declined to use emergency funds to cover the shortfall, citing that they are only for disaster situations and not eligible for regular programs like SNAP.
Critics argue that the decision is a "man-made disaster" that could have been easily avoided. Plata-Nino emphasized that Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has the authority to issue federal food aid despite the shutdown, as specified in the Nutrition Act. She urged Rollins to use her discretion to prevent further hardship for those relying on SNAP benefits.
As the government shutdown continues, many are worried about the ripple effects on vulnerable populations, including families struggling to make ends meet and access basic necessities like food.
Gina Plata-Nino, interim director for SNAP at the Food Research & Action Center, warned that the situation is dire and could have long-lasting consequences. "The people relying on this benefit are our most vulnerable," she said, highlighting the struggles faced by those living paycheck to paycheck, including veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
Plata-Nino pointed out that one in eight Americans depends on SNAP benefits, which are already a crucial source of sustenance for millions. The program is meant to be supplemental, but for many people, it's their sole means of affording food. "This program's supposed to be supplemental, but for many people, this is their sole food budget," she stressed.
During the 2018-2019 government shutdown, which lasted 34 days, the administration was able to secure funding to issue benefits ahead of time. However, this time around, the USDA has declined to use emergency funds to cover the shortfall, citing that they are only for disaster situations and not eligible for regular programs like SNAP.
Critics argue that the decision is a "man-made disaster" that could have been easily avoided. Plata-Nino emphasized that Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has the authority to issue federal food aid despite the shutdown, as specified in the Nutrition Act. She urged Rollins to use her discretion to prevent further hardship for those relying on SNAP benefits.
As the government shutdown continues, many are worried about the ripple effects on vulnerable populations, including families struggling to make ends meet and access basic necessities like food.
Like, what's the point of even having a gov if we can't provide for our own people? It's not like they're asking for much - just some decent meals to get 'em through the month. And it's not just about them, it's about the economy too - all this hardship is gonna lead to more poverty and stuff. We should be supporting each other, not leaving people high and dry. Can't someone just step in and fix this? 
this is so unfair... millions of ppl r struggling 2 get by w/out this food aid payment. it's not just about money, it's about being able 2 put food on the table every month. SNAP benefits r supposed 2 be a lifeline 4 those who need it most, but now they're getting cut off 
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. This decision by the USDA seems too convenient, don't you think? One minute they're saying we need to cut costs, next minute they're canceling a program that's supposed to be helping people in need 
. And what about all those emergency funds they claim aren't available for regular programs like SNAP? That just doesn't add up, if you ask me 
. I'm not buying the "we couldn't find the money" excuse 
This is just great – because what's a government shutdown without strapping millions of people with food? I mean, who needs healthcare or education when you can starve, right? 
The USDA's decision is just peachy – leave vulnerable individuals to fend for themselves while the rest of us are stuck in traffic due to bureaucratic red tape. It's not like they're already living paycheck to paycheck or anything... 
. It's crazy that they're not using emergency funds this time around... I mean, can't you just use some common sense? 
This is gonna be a tough one, fam... 1 in 8 Americans rely on SNAP benefits and now that's being taken away 
. The USDA is saying they don't have the funds, but I think they're just being super conservative here 
. This time around, they're just saying no 
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! I mean, who thought it was okay to just cancel these food aid payments without even trying to find a solution? It's like they're playing with people's lives here, you know? The SNAP program is literally the only thing keeping some of these families from going hungry. And now, because of this shutdown, they're being left out in the cold 
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! I mean, I get it, gov't shutdowns can be a thing, but canceling SNAP benefits for millions of people? That's just cruel 
. These are the people who need help the most - veterans, seniors, and folks with disabilities 
. Can't we just find a way to keep everyone fed? 
. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins needs to step up and use her authority to prevent further hardship 
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who r counting on that benefit. 
lets hope ag secretary rollins listens 2 these pleas & use her power 2 help 
how can u call this a 'man-made disaster' when there are people's lives at stake? 
like maybe there's a special interest at play or something 
The USDA should be focusing on supporting businesses and jobs creation, not just handing out free food to anyone who asks for it.
. I think it's time we stopped coddling everyone and made them take responsibility for their own lives. SNAP benefits should be re-evaluated, and if they're really necessary, then maybe the government can just cut back on other programs instead of just canceling one 
What do you think, should they just step in and fix things or what? 
but now it's cancelled for millions of people who need them most? it's just cruel 
I mean, shouldn't the gov do more 2 help its citizens? It's like they're sayin' 'sorry' 2 ppl who are already strugglin. Plus, Brooke Rollins has the power 2 make changes, so why not use it?