Attributed to Kate Leone, Chief Government Relations Officer
“Late yesterday, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced funding to continue critical federal nutrition programs through February. While Feeding America is relieved that American families who depend on programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP) will be able to continue to put food on the table next month, challenges remain.
“The process that allowed the Administration to fund SNAP benefits for the month of February cannot be replicated for additional months. In addition, we are already seeing an impact on families and individuals needing food who are experiencing hardship due to the shutdown. We anticipate further need as furloughed federal employees and contractors miss paychecks in the absence of a resolution, and the impact on household budgets could continue for many months after the loss of funds.
“For every meal our network provides, SNAP provides 12 and we cannot understate the importance of federal nutrition programs functioning seamlessly. Our nationwide network of member food banks stands at the ready in any crisis, and this shutdown is no different.”
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About Feeding America
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs, we helped provide 5.3 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; brings attention to the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
