Introduction to SNAP Benefits and the Shutdown
Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a stark warning Monday that food assistance benefits for millions of low-income Californians could be delayed starting Nov. 1 if the ongoing federal shutdown does not end by Thursday. The benefits, issued under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, and formerly called food stamps, include federally funded benefits loaded onto CalFresh cards. They support some 5.5 million Californians.
The Impact of the Shutdown on SNAP Benefits
Newsom blamed the potential SNAP disruption — and the shutdown more broadly — on President Trump and slammed the timing of the potential cutoff just as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches. “Trump’s failure to open the federal government is now endangering people’s lives and making basic needs like food more expensive — just as the holidays arrive,” Newsom said. “It is long past time for Republicans in Congress to grow a spine, stand up to Trump, and deliver for the American people.”
Response from the White House and Congressional Republicans
The White House responded by blaming the shutdown on Democrats, as it has done before. Abigail Jackson, a White House spokeswoman, said the “Democrats’ decision to shut down the government is hurting Americans across the country,” and that Democrats “can choose to reopen the government at any point” by voting for a continuing resolution to fund the government as budget negotiations continue, which she said they repeatedly did during the Biden administration. Congressional Republicans also have blamed the shutdown and resulting interruptions to federal programs on Democrats, who are refusing to vote for a Republican-backed funding measure based in large part on Republican decisions to eliminate subsidies for healthcare plans relied on by millions of Americans.
Alerts from Other States and the USDA
Newsom’s warning about SNAP benefits followed similar alerts from other states on both sides of the political aisle, after the U.S. Department of Agriculture warned state agencies in an Oct. 10 letter that the shutdown may interrupt funding for the benefits. States have to take action to issue November benefits before the month ends, so the shutdown would have to end sooner than Nov. 1 for the benefits to be available in time. Newsom’s office said Californians could see their benefits interrupted or delayed if the shutdown is not ended by Thursday.
Effects on Vulnerable Populations
More than 63% of SNAP recipients in California are children or elderly people, Newsom’s office said. In her own statement, First Partner of California Jennifer Siebel Newsom said, “Government should be measured by how we protect people’s lives, their health, and their well-being. Parents and caregivers should not be forced to choose between buying groceries or paying bills.” Many Democrats and advocacy organizations that work to protect low-income families and children have argued that restricting SNAP benefits has a disproportionately large effect on some of the most vulnerable people in the country, including poor children.
Advocacy for Continued Benefits
According to the USDA, about 41.7 million Americans were served by SNAP benefits per month in fiscal 2024, at an annual cost of nearly $100 billion. The USDA has some contingency funding it can utilize to continue benefits in the short term, but does not have enough to cover all monthly benefits, advocates said. Andrew Cheyne, managing director of public policy at the advocacy group End Child Poverty California, urged the USDA to utilize its contingency funding and any other funding stream possible to prevent a disruption to SNAP benefits, which he said would be “disastrous.” Ted Lempert, president of Children Now, said a disruption would be “horrific.” “We speak out for the needs of kids and families, and kids need food — basic support to live and function and go to school,” he said. “So this could be really devastating.”
Conclusion
The potential delay of SNAP benefits due to the federal shutdown poses a significant threat to the well-being of millions of low-income Californians, particularly children and the elderly. It is crucial for Congress to find a resolution to the shutdown to ensure the continuity of these essential benefits. The impact of a disruption would be felt across the state, with vulnerable populations bearing the brunt of the consequences. Advocates and state officials are urging immediate action to prevent this disaster and ensure that those in need continue to receive the support they require.
FAQs
- Q: What is SNAP and how does it benefit Californians?
A: SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, provides food assistance benefits to low-income individuals and families, supporting approximately 5.5 million Californians. - Q: Why are SNAP benefits at risk of being delayed?
A: The ongoing federal shutdown may interrupt funding for SNAP benefits, which could lead to delays or interruptions in the distribution of these benefits starting November 1. - Q: Who is most affected by the potential delay of SNAP benefits?
A: The most vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and low-income families, would be disproportionately affected by a disruption in SNAP benefits. - Q: What are advocacy groups and state officials doing to address the issue?
A: Advocacy groups, such as End Child Poverty California and Children Now, are urging the USDA to utilize contingency funding to prevent a disruption in SNAP benefits, while state officials like Governor Newsom are calling for an end to the federal shutdown to ensure the continuity of these essential benefits.
