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National Grocers Association says shutdown having big impact on SNAP (food stamps) and WIC

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Grocers Association (NGA) is saying the lingering shutdown is having a big impact on SNAP (food stamps) and WIC, programs that supply nutrients to low income persons.

The government shutdown has had serious effects on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) otherwise known as food stamps. NGA says 2500 retailers across the country have experienced a lapse in their SNAP licenses, and many other retailers have been unable to acquire SNAP licenses for new or purchased stores. 95% of USDA Food and Nutrition (FNS) staff are currently furloughed, which has made it difficult for grocers to receive assistance with questions and technical difficulties.

Last week, USDA announced a plan to protect SNAP benefits in February. However, for SNAP participants to receive February benefits, USDA is advising all states to request approval to issue SNAP benefits on or before January 20, 2019. This means that some SNAP customers in certain states will receive their February SNAP benefits before their January benefits, depending on the normal distribution schedule employed by the state for the month of January. USDA has not yet announced a plan for distribution of March benefits.

USDA has confirmed that Women, Infants and Children (WIC) will continue to operate through February at the state level. However, at this point in time additional Federal funding will not be provided during the period of the lapse and a prolonged shutdown would deprive WIC agencies of resources.

As we enter the 27th day of

The partial government shutdown is in its 28th day and is the longest in U.S. history. Roughly 800,000 federal workers are not being paid, reportedly, and both Democrats and Republicans refuse to budge on the key issue: President Donald Trump’s request for roughly $5 billion in funds for a border wall.

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