🔗 Share this article Nutrition Assistance Set to End for 41 Million Throughout Prolonged US Government Shutdown The United States Department of Agriculture stated on Saturday that monthly food benefits from a major federal social assistance programs will not be distributed during the coming month amid the persistent government funding lapse. Closure Continues Through Its Third Week The funding lapse had reached nearly a month when the announcement was made, in response to calls from over 200 Democratic representatives pushing the department to tap into reserve accounts to cover the upcoming nutrition payments. “Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the USDA stated. “Currently, assistance will not be provided” beginning in November. Millions Affected Tens of millions of people count on the regular assistance, according to federal data. Some regions, including New Mexico, dependence on the program affects 21% of residents. Documents reviewed by Reuters indicated that USDA officials decided against using reserve funds to cover next month's assistance. Partisan Impasse Lawmakers from both parties continue to disagree about the way to support and resume federal agencies. A statement from the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that the White House had chances to take earlier action to prevent benefits from running out. “They had the ability and responsibility taken steps before now to make arrangements to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Conversely, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to pressure Senate Democrats to vote for legislation to restart government operations. Local Responses Governors in multiple regions activated emergency protocols this week to allocate funds for hunger relief preparing for SNAP benefits not being issued in November.