‘The well has run dry’: California SNAP benefits officially end Nov. 1 if shutdown continues

(FOX40.COM) — SNAP benefits for millions of Californians will officially come to an end on Nov. 1 if the government shutdown continues.
• Video Above: Trump Administration announces that SNAP funds will not be distributed

SNAP is a government assistance program that aims to help low-income households afford food. It’s a federal program. However, state agencies manage it through local offices. Because of the near month-long government shutdown, the issuance of those benefits is coming to a halt.

“Senate Democrats have now voted 12 times to not fund the food stamp program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),” the United States Department of Agriculture said on its website. “Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01.”

According to the USDA, Democrats are holding out to provide “healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures” instead of reopening the government, “so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance.”

As people all over the U.S. are dealing with food uncertainty, Democrats and Republicans are pointing fingers and blaming each other for the shutdown impacting the nation.

“While Donald Trump parades around the world trying to repair the economic damage he’s done with his incompetence, he’s denying food to millions of Americans who will go hungry next month,” Newsom said on his website. It’s cruel and speaks to his basic lack of humanity. He doesn’t care about the people of this country, only himself.”

On Tuesday, Newsom, in partnership with 20 other states, filed a lawsuit against Trump “for putting millions of Americans at risk of hunger and refusing to fund food assistance benefits.”

SNAP benefits end Nov. 1: Other options for food assistance

• If the federal government can reach a budget agreement within the next few days, SNAP benefits may continue as usual.

• In California, Newsom said he fast-tracked $80 million in funds for food banks and deployed National Guard troops to help distribute food.

• Many local non-profit organizations are preparing for an increase in food demands. The Feeding America site can help people in need find food banks near them.