🔗 Share this article Nutrition Assistance Set to End for Tens of Millions Amid Prolonged Federal Shutdown The United States Department of Agriculture announced on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs will not be distributed in November due to the ongoing government funding lapse. Closure Continues Into 25th Day The government shutdown lasted its 25th day when the announcement was made, in response to demands from hundreds of House Democrats urging the USDA to tap into emergency reserves to cover next month's benefits. “Ultimately, the well has run dry,” the USDA stated. “At this time, assistance will not be provided” starting next month. National Consequences Tens of millions of people count on these monthly payments, as reported by the USDA. In certain states, like New Mexico, use of SNAP reaches a significant portion of citizens. A memo obtained by Reuters revealed that USDA officials decided against using contingency funding for the upcoming payments. Legislative Deadlock Lawmakers from both parties continue to disagree regarding how to support and resume government operations. Remarks from the director at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that the administration could have acted to act sooner to prevent benefits from running out. “It could have, and should have made moves weeks ago to get ready to use these funds,” the remarks concluded. “Rather, it may choose not to use them in an effort to gain political advantage” as conservative leaders work to push upper chamber Democrats to support a spending bill that would reopen the federal government. States Prepare State leaders from two affected states issued emergency declarations in recent days to allocate funds to combat potential hunger expecting food benefits expiring next month.