🔗 Share this article Nutrition Assistance Expected to Cease for 41 Million During Ongoing Government Closure Federal agriculture authorities stated on Saturday that SNAP funds under one of the country’s largest support systems are not going out during the coming month due to the ongoing federal closure. Shutdown Extends Through Its Third Week The funding lapse lasted its 25th day as officials revealed the news, in response to demands from hundreds of Congressional Democrats pushing the department to access emergency reserves to cover next month's benefits. “Ultimately, resources are exhausted,” the USDA stated. “Currently, no payments will be distributed” on 1 November. Millions Affected Tens of millions of people count on these food benefits, per official statistics. Various areas, such as one southwestern state, use of this assistance reaches a significant portion of citizens. Documents reviewed by journalists indicated that the department decided against using reserve funds to cover next month's assistance. Legislative Deadlock Lawmakers from both parties remain deadlocked regarding how to fund and reopen government operations. Remarks from the head of a budget research center suggested that federal leadership had chances to prepare in advance to ensure continuous assistance. “It could have, and should have acted before now to get ready to use these funds,” the statement continued. “Conversely, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” as conservative leaders work to push upper chamber Democrats to approve legislation that would reopen government operations. Local Responses State leaders from multiple regions declared states of emergency this week to free up resources to address food insecurity preparing for nutrition assistance payments stopping in November.