Posted on 01/08/2019 5:21:44 PM PST by upchuck
The Trump administration pledged Tuesday that Americans will receive food stamps through February despite the partial government shutdown, but officials could not promise those benefits will continue if the shutdown lasts until March.
Congress has only approved funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program through January, fueling concern food benefits used by 38 million Americans would expire amid the budget stalemate in Washington.
In a call with reporters on Tuesday, Agriculture Department officials said that they will give states the money for February’s food stamps ahead of time – by Jan. 20 – to circumvent the expiration of federal appropriations. States, which administer the SNAP program, will have to ask for the money to be allocated earlier than they normally would.
The move is part of a series of attempts by the Trump administration to limit the pain inflicted by the government shutdown now in its third week, as officials scramble to prevent essential federal services from expiring.
“I know there has been genuine concern across America” about food stamp benefits, said Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. “The benefits for February will be provided … It works and is legally sound.”
SNAP beneficiaries will not see cuts to their benefits through the end of February even if the shutdown continues, said Brandon Lipps, acting deputy undersecretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
“Wendy’s and all the fast food chains.”
That’s mostly California thing (using SNAP benefits). Some chains accept the TANF (cash) benefit in a few states.
Agreed! Gonna be a lotta really pissed off people.
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