The federal government shutdown is deepening uncertainty over food aid programs, with plans by the Trump administration to freeze payments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) being halted by federal judges. Despite delays, millions of Americans will still face difficulties in accessing groceries due to the program’s limitations.
Many people are feeling desperate and frustrated as they wait for the shutdown to end. “This is more than a crisis,” said Rev. John Udo-Okon, who runs a food pantry in New York City. The SNAP program serves about 1 in 8 Americans and costs around $8 billion per month.
The situation is further complicated by growing air travel delays and a prolonged shutdown that has already become the second-longest in US history. Lawmakers are away from Capitol Hill, with both parties remaining entrenched in their positions.
Health insurance subsidies are also set to expire on Saturday, leading to sharp increases in premiums for millions of Americans. Democrats are pushing to extend these credits, while Republicans want to make major changes to the Affordable Care Act.
The country waits anxiously for Congress to act and put an end to the shutdown.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/food-aid-snap-health-care-government-shutdown-41f4bb2b838c738e0d56e620bf396c8f