How the government shutdown could impact SNAP benefits

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Federal officials are warning of the threat that a prolonged government shutdown, now in its 15th day, could pose to millions of Americans who rely on SNAP benefits.

The federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program issues electronic benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food and is run by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.

In a letter to state health officials obtained by ABC News, Ronald Ward -- the acting head of SNAP -- said the program that millions of low-income Americans rely on "has funding available for benefits and operations through the month of October."

He added, "If the current lapse in appropriations continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million individuals across the Nation."

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/government-shutdown-could-impact-snap-202532772.html

[bucolic_frolic]

1. Cutting SNAP will ripple into grocers, supermarkets, distributors

and perhaps even retails jobs.

I shop the biggest, I shop a foreign-owned chain, as well as a national discounter.

The food is backing up, and prices are rising to try to pay for it. Lots of things on discount or closeout, but the discounts are on higher-priced items, and items that had prices raised when summer turned to fall. So 50% off. I saw an item at Wally's that they must have loaded the boat on and expected to sell at $3.97. The closeout price was $1.49. Meanwhile dairy, meat, vegetables are going up. Anything with 4% milkfat is through the roof - like Greek yogurt, cottage/ricotta, sour creme.

Now subtract SNAP money from the retailers. More food backs up, don't need as much labor. Maybe order less from distributors, who cancel from manufacturers, who reduce shipping frequencies, who layoff truckers.

This is a spiral if it gets going.