As you may have seen in the news, due to the ongoing Federal Government shutdown, certain federal benefits are at risk of expiring, or not being renewed. Most urgently, SNAP benefits (Food Stamps) are set to expire on November 1st. If you are currently using SNAP, this means that no new funds will be added to your EBT card in November. If you have leftover cash on your cards, you should still be able to use those funds.
What can you do?
- Start thinking about alternate sources of food now. Contact your state office to see if there are other resources to help you find food. Use this online directory to find your state office’s contact information.
- Find a local food bank. Feeding America has a directory of local food banks to help you find one.
- Call the USDA National Hunger Hotline: Contact the hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479). The hotline can connect you with emergency food providers, government assistance, and other social services.
Here’s a short video on eating healthy foods on a budget:
