(NEXSTAR) – If the government shutdown persists into November, over 40 million Americans may find their federal food assistance in jeopardy starting this Saturday.
The ongoing impasse in Congress means that the funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which aids roughly 1 in 8 Americans to cover grocery costs, will run out on Saturday if no agreement is reached.
SNAP, known previously as “food stamps,” is essential for many low-income families, providing money monthly on electronic benefits (EBT) cards that can be used like debit cards at grocery stores and farmers markets. Each state determines its own eligibility criteria, adding some variability.
With November approaching quickly, states and local groups are busy trying to figure out alternative food sources for those who rely on SNAP. There’s quite a disparity in the number of SNAP households across different counties, even within the same state, according to recent Census Bureau data.
In contrast, Wyoming stands out as the only state without any counties where over 10% of the population receives SNAP benefits.
In Texas, the picture is more complex: in Hood County, less than 5% of about 25,000 households benefit from SNAP, while in Starr County, 41% do.
Alaska presents an even broader range, with SNAP participation ranging from 2.7% in Haines Borough to 50.9% in the Kusilvak Census Area.
Potential Impact of Losing SNAP Funds
Most participants in SNAP are families with kids; many also include elderly individuals or people with disabilities. Interestingly, nearly 40% come from households where someone is working. Generally, the income of these families falls below the poverty line—around $32,000 for a family of four, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. In 2023, approximately 16 million children utilized SNAP benefits.
The average monthly benefit for participants is about $187.
Many beneficiaries mention that without this support, they would struggle to decide between purchasing food and paying other bills. As demand increases, food banks could find themselves overwhelmed without adequate federal assistance.
While there are some differences in benefit disbursement among states, many recipients receive their SNAP funds at the beginning of each month, although this varies. There’s hope that retailers will continue to accept cards that still hold balances.
