SNAP recipients say they're ready to scrimp amid food-stamp fight

USDA Plans to Provide Partial Food Stamps Amid Government Shutdown

Millions of Americans relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are bracing themselves for a potentially lengthy period without full benefits. In response to the ongoing government shutdown, the US Department of Agriculture has announced plans to provide partial SNAP funding for November, offering some relief to those struggling with hunger.

However, despite this move, many recipients remain uncertain about when they will receive their funds. The department's declaration indicates that the $4.6 billion in contingency USDA funds will cover 50% of SNAP benefits, but procedural changes required by states could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to implement.

"This is an unprecedented situation," said Victoria Negus, senior economic justice advocate at the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute. "The timing of when some states can issue partial SNAP benefits and relay that information to EBT vendors will depend on how quickly they can adjust."

States are facing significant pressure to act swiftly, with Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey stating that it could take days for SNAP cards to be loaded again if the funds were to be released.

For many families, losing access to food stamps is a daunting prospect. Shatika Griffin, a single mother of seven in Buffalo, New York, relies on both SNAP and the Women, Infants, and Children program to support her family. Without the federal nutrition assistance, she fears that her children will go hungry.

"I'm a single mom, so it's very frightening," Griffin said. "All the kids know is, 'I'm hungry.'"

Others, like 64-year-old Kelly Lennox in Baltimore, are struggling to make ends meet despite receiving food stamps. Lennox, who was injured in a hit-and-run accident and can no longer work, plans to visit local food banks to supplement her limited income.

"I'm going to have to make use of the pantries and work with their schedule," Lennox said. "If I use actual money for food, it takes away money I need to pay for my residential parking permit, gas, and union dues."

As the government shutdown continues, many SNAP recipients are facing an uncertain future. With some states yet to issue partial benefits, families like Griffin's and Lennox's will be forced to navigate a complex and potentially chaotic system just to put food on the table.

For now, the USDA's plan offers a measure of relief, but its implementation and timing remain unclear. As Negus noted, "I would hope that states will move heaven and earth to get SNAP benefits flowing as quickly as possible."

This is getting out of hand ! The fact that we're still debating how to fund basic human needs like food during a government shutdown is just ridiculous . It's not rocket science, folks! We need to figure out a way to keep people fed and make this system work, ASAP . I'm all for some kind of compromise, but partial benefits? That's just a Band-Aid on a bullet wound . What's next? Partial healthcare or education funding? The government needs to step up and show us they care about their citizens, not just play politics with our plates .

I mean, like, I'm all for helping people who are struggling, right? But at the same time, $4.6 billion is a lot of money, you know? Maybe they should just, like, give everyone full benefits or something? I don't know, it seems like it could be easier to just sort it out in one go... but noooo, gotta make it all complicated with partial funding and whatnot. And poor Shatika Griffin, a single mom of seven? That's just crazy! But at the same time, I guess it's better than nothing, right? So yeah, let's hope they get it together soon... or maybe not?

OMG this is so crazy!! how are ppl supposed to feed their kids with only 50% of the food stamp benefit?? I feel for Shatika Griffin, being a single mom of 7 is hard enough without the stress of not knowing when she'll get her next meal. and Kelly Lennox's situation is even worse, getting hurt in an accident and now having to rely on food banks just to survive... it's heartbreaking can't we just pass a bill to fund the government already?!

another government shutdown means more ppl gonna go hungry ... 50% of snap funds? not enough ... states gotta act fast tho or families like shatika's kids will be the ones to suffer ... can't believe they're making single moms like her play pantries too ... and kelly lennox who was hurt in a hit-and-run, now she's got more stress ... hope states move fast so we don't see more ppl going hungry

this is not good at all... partial food stamps arent even close to enough for those struggling with hunger. i mean think about it, $4.6 billion for 50% of benefits? that's like, a tiny fraction of the actual cost of feeding america right now and what really gets me is that this is all because of some bureaucratic shutdown... meanwhile people are literally going hungry like shatika griffin's kids will probably have to rely on food banks for real just cuz their mom cant get her snap benefits in time. this is a nightmare

omg can u even imagine having 7 kids & no food on the table?? it's not just about money, it's about a single mom's anxiety level increasing by the day. her kids r counting on her & if she doesn't get that food stamp benefit, they're gonna go hungry & that's when we know we need to step in as a community & support these families in any way possible

[thinking face ]

ok so like the usda is trying to help out people who rely on food stamps during this gov shutdown... but it's not looking good . they're only covering 50% of benefits and states are still figuring out how to implement it, which could take weeks or months .

i feel bad for people like Shatika Griffin, a single mom with 7 kids, who can't even afford food without the stamps . and Kelly Lennox, who's injured and can't work, has to rely on local food banks just to get by .

the usda's plan is a step in the right direction, but we need more info on how it's gonna work and when people will actually get their benefits . states should hurry up and make the necessary changes so these families can start receiving some relief soon .

omg this is so messed up millions of people are gonna have to deal with this uncertainty & it's not just about the food stamps its about the whole situation - they're living on edge wondering when they'll be able to afford basic necessities. what if they can't make ends meet? my heart goes out to these single moms like Shatika Griffin, seven kids rely on her for everything

I was watching this old rom-com the other day... You know, the one with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks? Anyway, it got me thinking about how some of these government shutdowns are like a bad rom-com - everyone's left in limbo, waiting for things to get resolved. I mean, can't they just find a way to make peace like, say, Rachel Green and Ross Geller did? Anyway, back to food stamps... I heard you can use those reusable snack bags from 7-Eleven to carry your groceries in. Has anyone tried those? Do they really work better than plastic bags?

This is gonna be a disaster ... like, millions of people are counting on these partial food stamps for November, but it's still anyone's guess when they'll actually get 'em. I mean, 50% of the funding? That's not even close to full benefits. What if the states can't make the switch in time? People like Shatika Griffin and Kelly Lennox will be stuck in limbo, literally going hungry... it's just awful . And what about all the single parents out there with kids who don't deserve this stress? The USDA is trying to offer some relief, but it's still a Band-Aid on a bullet wound .