Shutdown could halt SNAP for 3.5 million Texans

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

The continuing federal shutdown means government food benefits provided to 3.5 million Texans could be cut off in November, The Texas Tribune reported. Of those affected, nearly half are children.

“(The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) has funding available for benefits and operations through the month of October,” according to a letter written by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service to state agencies. “However, if the current lapse in appropriations continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million individuals across the nation.”