🔗 Share this article Nutrition Assistance Set to Cease for Tens of Millions Throughout Continuing Government Closure The United States Department of Agriculture declared recently that monthly food benefits through a critical national support systems won't be issued next month because of the continuing federal government shutdown. Impasse Persists For Nearly Four Weeks The funding lapse lasted three and a half weeks as officials revealed the news, in response to calls from over 200 House Democrats pushing agriculture officials to access contingency funds to fund November's food assistance. “Bottom line, funds are depleted,” officials announced. “Now, no payments will be distributed” starting next month. Widespread Impact Over 40 million Americans depend on the regular assistance, as reported by the USDA. In certain states, like one southwestern state, use of SNAP is as high as a significant portion of citizens. Documents reviewed by Reuters revealed that USDA officials would not access emergency reserves to cover next month's assistance. Legislative Deadlock Congressional leaders remain deadlocked about the way to support and resume government operations. Comments by the director at a prominent policy organization indicated that the administration had chances to act sooner to prevent benefits from running out. “They had the ability and responsibility taken steps earlier to be prepared to utilize available money,” the statement continued. “Instead, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to push upper chamber Democrats to support a funding package to restart government operations. Local Responses Executives in multiple regions declared states of emergency recently to allocate funds to combat potential hunger in anticipation of food benefits expiring during the upcoming period.