The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) is advising Arkansans enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that they should prepare for a possible delay or disruption in November benefits if the federal government shutdown continues into next month.
DHS is awaiting additional guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the federal agency that administers SNAP benefits, and will provide updates as they are available. At this time it appears that the shutdown may prevent November benefits from being issued on time.
DHS has been in contact with food banks and community partners to prepare for a possible gap in benefits, and is advising Arkansans who receive SNAP to take the following steps:
1. Identify local food pantries, churches, and community organizations that can provide temporary food assistance. The Arkansas Foodbank provides this helpful resource online for locating food assistance resources by address, city, or ZIP code.
2. Reach out to family and friends who may be able to temporarily assist with food purchases if there is a lapse in SNAP benefits.
3. If you have accrued SNAP benefits from previous months on your account, use those funds now to buy shelf-stable foods that can last through November and beyond. The SNAP retail system may disallow purchases beginning on Nov. 1 even if you have funds in your account.
4. Check with DHS for updates on this developing situation. We will share information on the SNAP website at humanservices.arkansas.gov/u/SNAP
“SNAP is a critical program that helps ensure families all across our state have access to nutritious foods, and even a brief disruption is problematic,” said DHS Secretary Janet Mann. “Arkansans have a history of coming together to help each other in difficult times. Please check on friends, family, and neighbors and donate time or money to food banks if you are able. Let’s do everything we can to support one another so that no family goes hungry.”
The shutdown may also cause delays in processing applications or renewals. However, SNAP recipients should continue to report household changes, complete any paperwork they receive related to their case, and submit any verification documents if requested.
The shutdown is not expected to have any immediate impact on ARHOME, ARKids First A or B, or any other Medicaid programs administered by DHS as these services are funded in Arkansas through the end of the year without any additional action from Congress.
SNAP provides food assistance to eligible households to cover a portion of a household’s budget, and benefits are delivered through an EBT card to purchase eligible foods at participating USDA-authorized retailers. SNAP benefits are funded fully by federal funds, and administrative costs are split between federal and state funds. As of Sept. 1, more than 222,000 individuals across more than 118,000 households received SNAP benefits.