The Center on Budget Policy and Priorities reports that if the partial federal government continues into February, there may not be sufficient appropriations for food assistance under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to provide full benefits for that month. And if the shutdown continues into March, little or no benefits likely will be paid in that month.
Empower Missouri is calling on U.S. Senator Roy Blunt, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley and Missouri’s eight congressional representatives to work to end the partial government shutdown to protect the hundreds of thousands of Missouri households who rely on federal nutrition assistance programs to put food on the table.
“We are in uncharted territory with no clear legal answers and await word from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as to whether February nutrition assistance benefits will be released,” said Jeanette Mott Oxford, executive director of Empower Missouri.
“Court action could follow any announcement that is made. Missouri elected officials must become advocates for the health and safety of these families, especially children in these households.”
According to USDA data, one out of six households in rural Missouri and one out of eight urban households depend on SNAP, more commonly known as food stamps.
“Together with WIC and school meals, these safety net programs are absolutely essential to children’s physical and mental development and school success and to the work stability of tens of thousands of parents,” Oxford said. “The food assistance they depend on must not be jeopardized by ideological wrangling between the branches of government over a border wall. The state’s food pantries do not have capacity to meet increased need.”
