In response to two court rulings, the White House and USDA agreed to partial payments of $4.65 billion in contingency resources to fund SNAP for the month of November. Partial funding is far from what is needed to address this hunger crisis. What’s needed is to fund SNAP for the month is $9 billion. But even though the federal government has the resources to do so, it chose not to help the 42 million people in our nation who rely on SNAP to feed their families.
Much is still unknown. The timing and amounts of those partial payments are unclear and leaves 90,000 households in San Francisco and Marin uncertain about their benefits, and when and if they will receive them. Partially funding SNAP, with no plan in place for December, is an abdication of responsibility to those who rely on the program as a lifeline.
Even in the midst of this crisis, we must not lose sight that historic cuts to SNAP have already been approved by Congress and will be enacted in the months ahead. This shutdown foreshadows the lasting harm to come. Unless Congress chooses to strengthen this vital program instead of its planned gutting, we will witness the gradual but intentional unraveling of the most effective anti-hunger program in our nation.
Our Food Bank remains committed in our efforts to make sure people have the food they need today and will not retreat from our mission of serving those struggling to put food on their tables. Our Shutdown Community Response continues as planned. We are undeterred and will continue to work for policies that eliminate – not cause – hunger.
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