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NEW YORK (CNN) - With the government shutdown stretching on, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says it does not have the money to pay for food stamp benefits for November. Millions of Americans rely on the crucial food assistance program to keep their families fed. “SNAP benefits are literally the lifeline that feeds us at the end of the month,” Juan Saro, SNAP recipient, said. SNAP recipient Najee Kinard added, “If the benefits get cut off in November, it will leave me to have to make very hard decisions and choices that I need to make with the current economy.” Nearly 42 million people received food stamps in May, according to the latest data from the USDA. Those SNAP benefits are at risk in a matter of days because of the ongoing government shutdown. SNAP households receive about $350 a month on average in benefits. According to the USDA, 83% of SNAP benefits in 2023 went to households with children, elderly or disabled individuals. Now, the USDA says it does not have the money to pay $8 billion in food stamp benefits for November. Republican Senator Josh Hawley has introduced a bill that would fund SNAP benefits amid the shutdown, despite having support, Senate GOP leader John Thune has said the Chamber wouldn’t consider standalone bills. The impasse is adding stress to households as the winter holidays approach. “This isn’t about politics, this is about priorities and our priority should be our citizens and then making sure that we have food on the table when that was promised to us,” Saro said.
