Will SNAP and WIC Beneficiaries Face Funding Issues During a Government Shutdown?

A potential partial government shutdown this week could impact millions of Americans who rely on federal assistance for food.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), is among the agencies that would be impacted by a shutdown.

SNAP beneficiaries receive a monthly benefit allowance loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. The program is funded in a way that allows recipients to receive their benefits the month prior, meaning that there would likely not be an immediate impact from a government shutdown.

If the shutdown extends beyond a month, however, issues may arise if USDA employees who operate the program are furloughed.

WIC provides food assistance to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and their babies and young children. The program is facing a $1 billion budget shortfall and would continue to operate during a government shutdown for a short time.

If funding runs out, the program will prioritize pregnant women, breastfeeding women and infants with nutritional issues like anemia or pre-term birth. Those in lower priority tiers may face waitlists.

Despite concerns regarding funding for WIC, a continuing resolution could prevent a funding lapse in the event of a government shutdown. A continuing resolution allows the government to continue operating while lawmakers debate a final budget.

In the event of a government shutdown, most USDA employees would be placed on furlough. This means that they would not be permitted to work except to help with shutting down operations and would not receive pay until the government is funded again.

Congressional leaders have until March 8th to reach an agreement to fund the government, including the USDA.

If an agreement is not reached, funding for the USDA and other agencies, including the Pentagon, the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department, will expire, potentially impacting millions of Americans.