TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The partial government shutdown has glided into its fifth week and a vote Thursday could change that.
However, if the government is not reopened before March, millions of Americans who receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or (SNAP) could have their assistance disrupted.
The funding provided for the nation's food stamp supply through February is only a temporary fix.
According to the Nonpartisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 42 million Americans received SNAP benefits in 2017.
More than 68 percent of participants were in families with children, and more than 44 percent were in working families.
Representatives from Second Harvest of the Big Bend said if the shutdown continues, they will see an increase in those who need nutrition assistance.
"The way that Second Harvest is ready to help with that is by providing as much food to our partner agencies who actually serve the need of some folks who are hungry in our community for as long as necessary," said Shari Hubbard, Director of Communications.
According to the USDA, in September 2018, the most recent month with data available, states disbursed $4.7 billion in food aid through SNAP.
And many businesses around the Big Bend are helping federal workers in need.
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