SNAP Benefits Being Impacted by the Federal Government Shutdown

7 hours ago

Emmaleah Allen,

DULUTH, Minn. — Starting tomorrow, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP is being impacted nationwide due to the Federal Government Shutdown.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps low-income individuals and families afford food during tough times; however, starting Thursday, the program will be temporarily frozen nationwide because of the Government Shutdown

“After today, we will not be able to approve any snap issuances for the nearly 16,000 individuals in St Louis County that receives that benefit,” said Dustin Letica, deputy director of Public Health and Human Resources. “This also means that no November issuances will be going out to individuals during the federal government shutdown.”

SNAP is not the only program being impacted by what’s happening in Washington, D.C.

“Other program that is impacted by this is our family cash program, which is called the Minnesota Family Investment Program,” said Letica. “After October 29, we will not be able to approve any family cash assistance for individuals in St Louis County.”

Due to the programs being paused, food pantries are likely going to experience a big demand from people looking to put food on the table until the government shutdown can be resolved.

“Probably going to be doing more food drives, so I guess just pay attention to that for the whole community that we need to help each other through these times,” said Deb Holman, street outreach for CHUM and the Community Development Center. “Stay positive, but realize how this is going to affect people. People are going to go hungry.”

The St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services recommends people reach out to the food shelves listed below for assistance during this time.