SNAP Program Concerns - Millions of Americans face potential loss of SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown, causing families to seek alternatives [1] - Majority of SNAP recipients are children, followed by older adults and people with disabilities, including veterans and youth aging out of foster care [3] - Main reasons for SNAP enrollment include job loss, wage reduction, or caring for a family member, with most people on SNAP for 6 to 24 months depending on the economy [3] - One in eight Americans relies on SNAP, highlighting its critical role in food security [9] Funding and Potential Solutions - Congress has provided USDA with the authority to issue funding to prevent millions from losing food [1] - USDA was aware of the deadline to move funds forward to avoid benefit delays [5] - Contingency funding, Section 32 funds, and credit corporation funding are available resources [7][8] - Senate Republicans are discussing a bill to prevent the loss of food aid, but the Secretary of Agriculture could act more quickly by reallocating funds [8] Impact and Challenges - Families are struggling to afford rent, medicine, and car insurance, leading to food insecurity [11] - Food banks are working extra hours to address increased need, but they were created as an emergency mechanism, not a long-term solution [9][10] - SNAP recipients often allocate 70% to 80% of their limited income to housing [11]

Right now, 42,000 federal workers at the USDA are in limbo, and so are the crucial programs they manage, which feed more than 41 million Americans a month. The government shutdown means half of the agriculture department staff is furled, while future funding is uncertain for critical federal assistance programs like SNAP, food stamps, and wick, which provides food and support to mothers and babies. Joining me now, Ellen May, a furled federal worker and chapter president of the NTEU chapter 255.Ellen, I want ...