Photo: jetcityimage / iStock Editorial / Getty Images
(Washington, D.C.) -- SNAP benefits are at risk of running out due to the ongoing government shutdown.
“Talking about feeding the world, we have an upcoming problem on November 1. One hundred thirty-one thousand Iowa families, which adds up to about 450,000 Iowans, depend on food stamps and may not be able to get them,” said U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa.
SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, provide supplemental food assistance to low-income Iowa families.
Nationwide, 42 million Americans are set to lose benefits this weekend due to the shutdown and lack of funding. Earlier today, the U.S. Senate voted for the 13th time not to reopen the government.
According to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, WIC, which stands for Women, Infants, and Children, will not be impacted until the end of November. WIC is another supplemental nutrition program for low-income mothers and children up to age 5.
A bill has been introduced in Congress that would fund SNAP benefits despite the government shutdown.