Partial Government Shutdown Could Leave Many Without Food Stamp Benefits

SAN ANGELO, TX -- Many families will not receive their monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food stamp benefits next month due to the ongoing partial federal government shutdown.

“There is funding secured throughout the month of January for SNAP benefits," said Foodlink Chief Program Officer Mitch Gruber but if the shutdown goes on until February there’s only about $3 billion in reserves for a program that typically spends about $5 billion a month nationwide.”

SNAP offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families and provides economic benefits to communities. SNAP is the largest program in the domestic hunger safety net.

Democrats and Republicans are working on getting the government back open, but there is no sign that it will be open anytime soon.

Other agencys not open are: the Internal Revenue Service, E-Verify, the government immigration system and database employers use to check and confirm employees are eligible to work in the United States, and if the shutdown continues through September then Veterans could lose their benefits.

If you have questions about food stamp benefits go to the Ralph E. Chase State of Texas Services Center at 622 S. Oakes St. or call (325)655-0576.