Government Shutdown Cuts SNAP Benefits, Strains Food Banks Nationally

As the federal government shutdown extends into its 32nd day, the lapse in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits is severely impacting food banks, particularly in the Capital Region where grassroots organizations like Schenectady Street Soldiers are struggling to meet rising demand. Volunteers report that food supplies run out quickly as more people rely on these organizations for essentials like vegetables and bread, highlighting widespread food insecurity amid a high cost of living. Local leaders are actively seeking alternative funding solutions to address the gap left by the absence of SNAP benefits, aiming to prevent hunger in their communities. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that President Trump supports restoring food benefits but emphasized that the issue must be resolved through the courts. The shutdown has not only stopped SNAP benefits for millions but also left critical federal workers, including air traffic controllers, working without pay, raising broader concerns about the ongoing impact of the shutdown. This situation underscores urgent calls for a resolution to the government shutdown to restore essential services and aid to vulnerable populations.