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The Trump administration reportedly declined to tap into approximately $5 billion in contingency funds to cover SNAP costs amidst the second longest shutdown in US history The US government shutdown has now entered its fourth week and millions are set to lose access to food benefits next month. Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP is set to expire on Saturday, November 1. This is going to hit 42 million Americans as they are dependent on government assistance for food.The program disburses funds on a monthly basis onto a debit card which recipients can use to buy grocery items. The average monthly SNAP benefit is $187 per person, but without a vote to end the government shutdown that stipend won't be dispensed. Cruelest cut to hit Americans soon?In a notice posted to the US Department of Agriculture's website Sunday, the government blamed Democrats for not voting to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). "Bottom line, the well has run dry," read the announcement. "At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 1. We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats.ALSO READ: Kash Patel flew in $60million FBI jet to attend his girlfriend’s performance? Outrage grows over Trump aide’s alleged misuse"They can continue to hold out for healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance." The Trump administration reportedly declined to tap into approximately $5 billion in contingency funds to cover SNAP costs amidst the second longest shutdown in US history. Despite the lack of government assistance being blamed on his party, California Governor Gavin Newsom called out Trump specifically."Donald Trump is literally dancing in Asia while 40 million people lose access to food. Disgusting," he posted online. Some Americans have ridiculed the administration for the decision, while others are in support of pausing benefits, or even ending SNAP altogether. Live EventsNot just SNAP, another government assistance program that could be impacted as early as next week is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). WIC is a specialized food assistance program geared at pregnant women, new mothers, and young children, as per Daily Mail.ALSO READ: How rich is Trey Yesavage? Blue Jays Rookie’s $760,000 salary stuns fans. You won't believe his staggering net worthWhat are Americans saying?Political commentator Matt Walsh posted on social media, 'EBT should just be abolished outright. 95 percent of the people on the program could easily feed themselves. They just don’t feel like making the effort. "The other 5 percent can rely on charities, soup kitchens, food drives, churches, etc. The program is a disaster," he continued. 'Get rid of it.' Another SNAP critic added, 'Why the hell are we giving food stamps to 40 million people? Does anyone work anymore?''40 f***ing million people, all eating, none of them paying for it. Absolute insanity,' said a third. 'When you give the government power to feed you, you give them the power to starve you. That's why socialism or communism never works. Ever,' posted another.Others agreed with Newsom.ALSO READ: No degree, no discussion? China tightens the grip on influencers and its new law has sparked massive debate online. Check details 'My faith teaches me that food is lifegiving and meant to be shared. From the miracle of fishes and loaves to the Last Supper, we are called to feed and care for each other,' posted Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. 'The Trump administration prohibiting SNAP benefits is wrong. We should be fighting hunger, not causing it.' Another said, 'Cutting off EBT during the holidays is heartless & telling people “just get a job” behind these food stamps is crazy. AINT NOBODY HIRING. People been getting LAID OFF by the THOUSANDS. Y’all are evil.''If you’ve never had to survive on food stamps you don’t understand what’s about to happen to many families next month,' agreed a third.Around 42 million Americans rely on SNAP, which provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery shopping. 'These are, for the most part, working individuals who still are living paycheck to paycheck,' Gina Plata-Nino, interim director for nonprofit SNAP at the Food Research & Action Center, told CBS News. The federal government entered into shutdown on October 1 when lawmakers failed to pass new funding bills. Democrats have refused to reopen the government until Republicans agree to compromise on extending parts of the Affordable Care Act.ALSO READ: Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS' racing towards the Sun in a cosmic turning point: Will you be able to see the rare object from Earth?What happens if SNAP is discontinued?SNAP provides financial help for millions of low-income Americans through an electronic benefit system. Each month, beneficiaries receive an average of $187 on a card that works like a debit or credit card. The amount can be used to buy food at grocery stores, dollar stores, farmers’ markets, and even for online orders through retailers such as Amazon.SNAP plays a major role in helping people meet basic food needs. The program’s electronic format has made food assistance more accessible and secure. Any disruption or change to the program could have a wide effect. Experts warn that a reduction in benefits may lead to lower sales at grocery stores and more pressure on food banks, as low-income families turn to alternative sources for meals.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Read More News ongovernment shutdown donald trumpSNAP BenefitsHunger Crisis in AmericaUS Government ShutdownSupplemental Nutrition Assistance ProgramImpact of Government Shutdown on Food SecurityFood Assistance ProgramsSNAP to be discontinuedSNAP food program USSNAP benefits government shutdown (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online....moreless (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News ongovernment shutdown donald trumpSNAP BenefitsHunger Crisis in AmericaUS Government ShutdownSupplemental Nutrition Assistance ProgramImpact of Government Shutdown on Food SecurityFood Assistance ProgramsSNAP to be discontinuedSNAP food program USSNAP benefits government shutdown(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online....moreless Explore More Stories123
