STIC is gravely concerned that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, once known as Food Stamps) is in danger of being interrupted due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.  This unprecedented danger threatens low-income seniors, children, veterans, and people with disabilities who rely on SNAP for nutrition and food security.  On November 1 — this Saturday — that food security may be delayed, reduced, or entirely shut down.

Many states, in varying ways, are doing what they can to mitigate the impact of such an interruption, but the best solution is for the federal government to keep its commitment to its vulnerable citizens.  Ideally, Congress would resolve its deadlock and government services could resume as before, but failing that, there are steps the Administration can take to keep SNAP operational.

The Trump Administration can release the SNAP contingency fund maintained for the purpose of ensuring continuity in SNAP benefits in times of crisis.  Well, we're in a crisis, albeit a self-inflicted one, and Americans shouldn't go hungry because its Congress is dysfunctional.  This fund alone (around $5.5 billion) won't be enough to maintain benefits through the end of November; that will require about $8 billion total.  Nevertheless, it gets us much of the way there.

The Administration also has the ability to transfer other available funds to address shortfalls, as it did recently to fund the WIC program providing supplemental support to women, infants, and children.  They now must continue that juggling, just as households do when facing unexpected financial setbacks, to fully fund SNAP through the end of November.  Letting Americans go hungry is not an option; indeed, it's frankly ridiculous in a nation with the bountiful resources with which America has been blessed.

But it can happen, and it will happen, if the leadership in the executive branch fails to take action.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers SNAP, will have no recourse but to cut benefits for all participating households.  This will harm forty million people nationwide, over ten percent of our population.  This atrocious outcome is completely preventable if the Administration acts with alacrity and without delay.

We are asking you, our band of brothers and sisters, to contact your Senators and Representatives in Congress, as well as President Trump, and implore them to do what they must to work together and take the steps necessary to avoid this catastrophe.  As always, we shall provide a sample script which you may alter or augment as you see fit.  We are grateful to you and for all you do.