Washington (USA), Oct. 27 (LaPresse) – Due to the shutdown and the standoff between Republicans and Democrats, millions of people across the United States could lose access to SNAP benefits, the food assistance program for low-income individuals and families. The Department of Agriculture, which manages the program, has issued guidelines, indicating that it will not use the emergency funds allocated by Congress for contingency scenarios if the shutdown continues beyond Friday. Democrats have strongly criticized the decision, which appears aimed at maximizing pressure on them to end the ongoing political battle. Approximately 42 million Americans are at risk of losing federal food support. In fiscal year 2024, the government spent $99.8 billion on the SNAP program, with a monthly average of $187.20 per participant. SNAP benefits are funded by the federal government, while states manage and share the costs of program administration and benefit distribution. Because funds are sent monthly to the states, October benefits were not affected, but November payments could be at risk.
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