D.C. braces for SNAP benefits freeze due to government shutdown
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D.C. is considering tapping its reserves to fund food stamps if the government shutdown isn't resolved this week.
Why it matters: Local leaders are struggling to step in as federal layoffs and furloughs drive up demand that food banks warn they can't meet.
Driving the news: City administrator Kevin Donahue told the D.C. Council last week that the administration is looking into using cash reserves to cover the lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
- Mayor Muriel Bowser has yet to announce a final decision, saying that "we need the federal government to do its part."
By the numbers: Starting Nov. 1, an estimated 42 million low-income people nationwide will go without SNAP benefits if Congress doesn't reopen the government.
- About 141,000 people in D.C. receive SNAP benefits each month, according to the Bowser administration.
- Covering the whole month of November would cost D.C. about $29 million.
Friction point: The Agriculture Department won't use contingency funds, nor offer a reimbursement if states cover costs, according to a memo obtained by Axios last week.
- Democrats and liberal-leaning groups say the USDA has enough contingency funds to cover two-thirds of the shortfall.
Zoom out: Local leaders are scrambling to make plans.
- Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency to use emergency funds to provide food benefits. He blamed Democrats for the shutdown.
Meanwhile, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has said benefits will expire. Absent a federal reimbursement guarantee, Maryland won't tap its $3.5 billion in short-term cash to cover the costs.
- "There is no balance sheet to make up for when the federal government just decides to tell states, 'You're on your own,'" Moore said last week.
What we're watching: Some community leaders are calling on grocery stores to donate food to needy families.
- DoorDash is waiving merchant fees for partner food banks, pantries and community groups.