🔗 Share this article Nutrition Assistance Scheduled to Expire for 41 Million During Ongoing US Government Shutdown The United States Department of Agriculture declared on Saturday that SNAP funds under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs won't be issued during the coming month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Closure Continues Through Its Third Week The federal closure lasted its 25th day when the announcement was made, in response to calls from over 200 House Democrats pushing the department to tap into emergency reserves to pay for November's food assistance. “The reality is, funds are depleted,” the department confirmed. “Currently, no payments will be distributed” starting next month. Widespread Impact Over 40 million Americans depend on these monthly payments, per official statistics. In certain states, including New Mexico, reliance on this assistance affects one-fifth of the population. A memo obtained by journalists revealed that the department would not access emergency reserves for November food benefits. Partisan Impasse Republicans and Democrats continue to disagree about the way to finance and restart federal agencies. Comments by the leader of a prominent policy organization indicated that the White House had chances to prepare in advance to prevent benefits from running out. “It could have, and should have made moves weeks ago to get ready to use these funds,” the comments added. “Rather, officials could opt out to secure political leverage” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to support a funding package that would resume government operations. Local Responses Executives in two affected states issued emergency declarations in recent days to free up resources for hunger relief in anticipation of nutrition assistance payments stopping in November.