State leaders prepare for potential disruptions to SNAP benefits

WEST VIRGINIA (WVNS) – The shutdown of the federal government has entered its fourth week. Residents, political leaders, and local organizations have begun making preparations for an expected impact to SNAP benefits.

Organizers with local food banks said they expect an increase in demand as more and more citizens are impacted by the shutdown. The surge in need coincides with an anticipated halt to benefits beginning in November. U.S. Senator Jim Justice said these benefits are critical to Americans’ well-being.

“People don’t care if it’s the Republicans’ or Democrats’ fault, but they absolutely have to have these dollars, the SNAP benefits,” said Senator Justice. “They have to have them. If they don’t have them, the families are going to get really hurt and they don’t know what in the world to do. What are they going to do? What in the world are they going to do?”

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin went as far as to declare a State of Emergency to maintain food assistance for state residents.

Representatives with the U.S. Department of Agriculture warned that benefits will be affected should the shutdown extend to November. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has also taken action to address the need. $1.1 million of emergency funding to West Virginia food banks was announced in anticipation of delays in benefits.

“We are going to put over a million dollars into the hands of food banks as they prepare for the fallout,” said Governor Morrisey. “We’re being proactive and making some early moves to make sure our state is prepared.”

The shutdown is currently the second longest in American history, having surpassed the 1995 shutdown which concluded after 21 days.