(Photo by Bill Tompkins/Getty Images)
Grab your cups, because this tea isnt just about politics its about whats on millions of Americans plates. Nearly 42 million Americans could be waking up on November 1st without the food benefits they rely on. And, it looks like the Trump administration wont dip into emergency funds to keep EBT flowing. But while the politicians argue, its the people who might end up paying the price.
Just when folks were hoping for relief, a new USDA memo makes it clear: those emergency funds arent getting touched. According to a recently released memo by Axios, the USDA has stated that it cant tap the $5 billion contingency fund because its reserved for emergencies such as natural disasters. But with the government shutdown dragging on and no new funding deal in sight, many are asking: whats more of an emergency than millions of Americans not being able to eat? Officials admit that even if the White House wanted to tap those funds, it would take weeks to roll out meaning most people would still miss their November benefits.
Additionally, the memo states that using the contingency funds would pull away money from other government-funded programs such as the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, and the Child And Adult Care Feeding Program, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children.
At this time, states have reportedly been notified to hold November SNAP benefits until further notice.
Democrats are blasting the administration, accusing it of intentionally freezing food aid already funded by Congress. Representatives Angie Craig (MN) and Rosa DeLauro (CT) didnt hold back, calling the move cruel and unlawful, and claiming the administration is taking food assistance away from 42 million Americans… including hungry seniors, veterans, and families with children. Meanwhile, the White House is pointing the finger right back, blaming Democrats for blocking a temporary spending bill that couldve prevented the crisis.
This Administration will not allow Democrats to jeopardize funding for school meals and infant formula in order to prolong their shutdown, USDA said in the memo.
President Trump briefly addressed reporters, insisting that everybody is going to be in good shape. But, he didnt explain how that would happen especially as his own USDA memo says the opposite. Some states, such as Virginia and Hawaii, are already dipping into their limited emergency funds to cover benefits. However, the USDA has warned that those states wont be reimbursed. And while D.C. fights, there will be ordinary people paying the price.
