SNAP Benefits Face Potential Disruption:โค Resources Available for Recipients
WASHINGTON D.C. โฃ- Millions of Americans who rely on the Supplementalโ Nutrition Assistance โProgramme โค(SNAP) may face a โlapse in benefits as a โpotential federal shutdown looms. New rules accompanying โthe โpossibilityโค also eliminate long-standing exemptions for veterans,increasing the โฃnumberโค of individuals at โฃrisk of losing access to foodโ assistance afterโ three months.
SNAP, established โin 1961, is a critical anti-poverty program supporting nearly half โof all โrecipientsโข under the age of 18, and โdirecting over 70%โ of benefits to households with seniors orโ peopel with disabilities. A shutdown could disrupt benefit distribution, leaving vulnerable populations without vitalโข food assistance. Here are three keyโค steps SNAP โrecipients should take โคnow toโ prepare:
1. Seek Local Support Immediatly: Connect with local food banksโ and community organizations.โข Resources โlike 211โค hotlines โand state-specific directories can provide connections to nearby assistance networks, offering a crucial lifeline during a potential โfederal benefits interruption.
2.Keep Information Updated: States require SNAP recipients โto complete renewals and report changes in income or household status, even duringโค a shutdown. Failure to meet deadlinesโข could โฃresultโค in program โdisqualification.
3.Explore State and Faith-Based Assistance: Local governments, nonprofits, faith-based groups, neighborhoodโ pantries,โข and mutual aid networks may offer short-term support. Check local โคcommunity boards and social media groupsโ for available events and resources.
