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In the midst of the prolonged partial shutdown of the federal government, more than 40 million beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food Stamps, will receive a higher percentage than initially anticipated in November.
According to NBC News, an official from the Department of Agriculture (USDA) informed a federal court that the payments for November will reach 65% of the usual monthly allocation, up from the 50% previously estimated by the Trump administration.
This adjustment was made after reevaluating the available contingency funds.
"The allocations for SNAP beneficiaries for November will be 65% of their normal rate instead of the 50% previously estimated by the government of Donald Trump," stated a USDA official.
In practical terms, a family of four in 48 states would receive approximately $646 in November.
The revised figure was presented in a legal document signed by Patrick Penn, Deputy Undersecretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services at the USDA.
What motivated the change? A "mistake" according to the government
Although it has not been clearly explained what prompted the adjustment, the Department of Justice labeled it a "mistake" that was corrected "as soon as it was discovered."
Previously, the government had announced that it would use more than $4 billion in emergency funds to cover half of the benefits, in an effort to mitigate the impact of the federal shutdown on the assistance program.
Despite the partial relief represented by the increase to 65%, the exact date when the benefits will be available remains uncertain. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins warned on social media:
"It will take several weeks to process the partial payments."
Additionally, he promised that once the government reopens, "the FULL benefits will be able to reach families without delay."
Increasing social and operational tensions
The reduction in the usual amount of food assistance has had a direct impact on food banks, which have seen an increase in demand while facing less federal support.
These organizations rely heavily on private, corporate, and agricultural donations, as well as on programs from the USDA itself.
At the state level, various jurisdictions have implemented local plans to compensate for the federal cut, but it is still unknown how they will adapt their systems to the new amount of 65%. Some may take weeks or even months to implement the adjustments.
Implications for the beneficiaries
The payments for November will remain incomplete, which could jeopardize the food security of millions of households.
The calendar and payment system will depend on the state, which adds uncertainty.
If the government shutdown continues, the outlook for December and the following months becomes even more uncertain.
The partial government shutdown has become the longest in the country's history. The budget stalemate is not only impacting SNAP but also multiple essential federal programs for the most vulnerable segments of the population.
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