The federal government entered a shutdown on Oct. 1 when Congress failed to pass the required 12 annual appropriations bills or agree on a short-term funding patch called a continuing resolution. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a part of this. SNAP helps nearly 42 million Americans purchase much needed food each month – more than one out every 10 citizens. Funds will expire Nov. 1 for most states, including Oklahoma.

Benefits have continued because money for October was allocated to states before the shutdown began. In local terms, SNAP aids more than 684,000 Oklahomans according to Oklahoma Human Services, the state agency which maintains local oversight of this program.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) website reports, “USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) works to end hunger and promote nutrition through the administration of 15 federal nutrition assistance programs including Women Infants and Children (WIC), SNAP and school meals. In partnership with State and Tribal governments, FNS programs serve one in four Americans during the course of a typical year.”

While much has been covered regarding SNAP benefits lapsing, it is important to be aware that each of these programs will be impacted unless Congress acts to end the shutdown soon.

WIC is currently being kept afloat by a $150 million contingency fund, but experts warn that it could halt soon without a budget agreement. The National WIC Association has indicated the program will run out of funding within one or two weeks if the shutdown continues.

The same is true for school meal programs. If the shutdown continues, it could lead to significant disruptions in public schools’ ability to provide meals for students. While USDA’s reimbursements to schools (for breakfast and lunch programs) will continue for the short term due to use of carryover funds, many of USDA staff, whose jobs range from reviewing school meal reimbursements to issuing new grants (also temporarily halted), are now on unpaid furlough. Should the shutdown continue for much longer, reimbursements will slow down or stop, creating cash-flow problems for local school districts.

A few states have already suspended their SNAP benefits programs. The only way for states to intervene and continue assistance would be for governors and state legislatures across the nation to call themselves into session and use available state funds to provide temporary relief to impacted state agencies and those they serve. Thus far, no state has even suggested that course of action, likely due to no federal commitment to replace those state allocations should they occur.

As that deadline approaches, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) recommends that those impacted use remaining SNAP benefits to purchase allowable items as you will not be able to access any currently available funds after Oct. 31. Use your benefits to purchase shelf-stable items such as pinto beans, rice and other such products which can provide stability until the shutdown ends.

Those in need may also seek support through local resources. To find a program which provides aid close to you, go to www.regionalfoodbank. org/ for western Oklahoma and www.okfoodbank.org/ for the eastern part of the state. Additionally, some restaurants have even offered free meals to families in need and who have lost their benefits; check local news to see if any restaurants in your community are participating.

I will also add that while every nonprofit organization is currently facing budget woes, please consider donating to a food assistance program in your community. Churches and nonprofits are only able to provide food with what funds they have available, and support is critical for those who are struggling.

– The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy was established in 1983 by a group of citizens seeking to create a strong advocacy network that would provide a voice for the needs of children and youth in Oklahoma, particularly those in the state’s care and those growing up amid poverty, violence, abuse and neglect, disparities, or other situations that put their lives and future at risk. Our mission statement: “Creating awareness, taking action and changing policy to improve the health, safety, and well-being of Oklahoma’s children.