This story has been updated to reflect that partial funding of SNAP that was announced Nov. 3 by the Trump administration through November.
FAIRFIELD – In light of the partial cutoff in federal funding for the SNAP and WIC programs due to the federal government shutdown, Save the Children is rushing emergency food, diapers, wipes and other essentials to families in 15 states with the greatest need.
The Fairfield-based nonprofit is trying to reach 10,000 of the most vulnerable families during this urgent time, according to an emergency appeal for funds it sent this weekend.
As the federal government shutdown continues, families who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) are running out of options, according to the Save the Children statement. According to CNN, as of Monday, Nov. 3, some $4.65 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s contingency fund will “be obligated to cover 50% of eligible households’ current allotments” for November, according to a sworn statement from a US Department of Agriculture official submitted in federal court. The remaining $600 million in the fund will be used for state administrative expenses and nutrition assistance for Puerto Rico and American Samoa.
The decision came after a federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the USDA last week to either start providing full November benefits to recipients or partial benefits if the agency opts to only draw on SNAP’s contingency fund.
On Friday two federal courts ruled against the Trump administration’s action to stop funding SNAP and WIC during the federal government shutdown. However, it was not clear if the administration was going to appeal the orders.
In rural communities, where 1 in 5 children already face hunger, the impact is especially devastating.
“As nutrition assistance grinds to a halt, we’re doing everything we can to support families through this crisis — and we’re urging Congress to find a solution,” Save the Children said. “But until that happens, children can’t wait.”
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