Federal agriculture authorities declared this past weekend that monthly food benefits through a critical national welfare initiatives won't be issued during the coming month because of the continuing government funding lapse.
The government shutdown was in its 25th day at the time of the statement, which followed appeals by more than two hundred Congressional Democrats urging the department to access contingency funds to pay for November's food assistance.
“Ultimately, the well has run dry,” the USDA stated. “Currently, there will be no benefits issued” starting next month.
More than 41 million individuals depend on the regular assistance, according to the USDA. In certain states, including New Mexico, use of this assistance affects 21% of residents.
Internal communications seen by journalists indicated that the department decided against using emergency reserves to cover next month's assistance.
Republicans and Democrats are still at odds about the way to finance and restart government operations.
Comments by the director at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that the White House could have acted to prepare in advance to ensure continuous assistance.
“They had the ability and responsibility acted weeks ago to get ready to utilize available money,” the statement continued. “Conversely, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantage” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to support a funding package that would reopen federal functions.
Governors in two affected states issued emergency declarations in recent days to make money available for hunger relief in anticipation of food benefits expiring next month.