Dear friend, it’s your Congresswoman, Gwen Moore. I know many of my constituents are concerned about rising food prices and are worried that critical government programs, such as WIC and SNAP, won’t be accessible during the government shutdown. Right now, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has decided that individuals who use Foodshare will not receive their November benefits.
In Congress, my colleagues and I are pressing the USDA to use its existing authority and funding to protect FoodShare benefits in November. They have the authority to step up and do what’s right but are choosing to let millions of Americans go hungry.
There are 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP to keep food on the table, including 700,000 Wisconsinites. This crisis comes as food prices are still increasing, and many are struggling with the cost of living, including higher energy, health, and other costs. And for SNAP recipients, this is another blow after the Republican-led Congress's budget bill, which cut SNAP by $186 billion over the next decade.
Why are FoodShare Benefits Being Cut off in November?
No person should lose their FoodShare benefits during this government shutdown. Right now, the Trump administration's policies are playing partisan games with this essential lifeline. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has $5 billion in SNAP contingency funding previously provided by Congress and the authority to use that funding and other authorities available to it for November FoodShare benefits. The USDA’s own shutdown contingency plan mentioned this funding last month, but the agency later removed it from their website.
While the government shutdown continues, the Administration can and must use existing funding and authority to keep our friends and neighbors from going hungry. Governor Evers recently announced that Wisconsin is joining a multi-state lawsuit calling for the USDA to release billions in contingency funding. These actions are especially important as the conservative-led state legislature has indicated that the state will not fill in the gap for missing federal funds.
What Can You Do?
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, if you have remaining funds in your Foodshare account, you can use those benefits throughout November. While I continue to push for bipartisan negotiations that can get our federal government back open and operating, I encourage any residents in need to dial 211 (or 877-947-2211), visit the 211 webpage or Feeding America's webpage, which can connect you to food pantries and other food assistance in your area.
Our Office is Here to Help
As always, my office is here to help. If you are a resident of WI-04 and need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my district office 414-297-1140.
Your friend,
Gwen
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