Agencies that help the poor beginning to feel shutdown’s impact

Oct WASHINGTON The first scheme in Minnesota to feel the impact of the federal regime shutdown is one that helps enroll people in the food stamp initiative Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Activity SNAP Outreach Activity ended Oct the first day of the shutdown The campaign run largely by non-profits helps eligible individuals and families access SNAP benefits by providing information assistance with applications and encouragement throughout the enrollment process The Trump administration had required Minnesota for a revised SNAP outreach plan and the U S Department of Agriculture which funds the food stamp initiative did not approve it before the authorities shuttered noted Patrick Hogan a spokesman for Minnesota Management and Budget Therefore we have no access to fund it Hogan disclosed Funding for SNAP benefits which serve more than Minnesotans was paid out just before the Oct shutdown so states can continue to provide those benefits through the end of the month and maybe even into November But if the shutdown stretches into next month the food stamp venture could be frozen until the federal authorities reopens We are continuing to do SNAP outreach but with the state s plan not having been approved before the shutdown began it is unclear how much if any of that will be reimbursed retroactively commented Zack Rodvold a spokesman for Second Harvest Heartland a major food bank serving Minnesota and Wisconsin The post Agencies that help the poor beginning to feel shutdown s impact appeared first on MinnPost