In the midst of the first government shutdown in nearly a decade, those who receive government assistance for food insecurity are facing the very real possibility of dire repercussions. For instance, not receiving their scheduled Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefits. This issue has arisen due to disagreements concerning the proposed government-wide funding bill, eliciting a battle of egos between the majority and minority leaders in the Senate chambers. If there is no agreement made before the start of November, millions of young mothers and low-income households will be at risk of not being able to purchase basic necessities, such as their next meals for themselves or their children.

After the Trump administration announced that a mysterious donor would continue funding the U.S. military through this federal government shutdown, some citizens held out hope that the administration may be able to acquire some mystery money for SNAP and WIC benefits. Although the fact that the origin of this money, currently funding the military, is shrouded in secrets brings up serious concerns for national security and legislative leaders.

It was confirmed by The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Oct. 24, that they would not be releasing the contingency funds they have set aside specifically for these necessary programs since they are lacking permission from Congress. This action has been highly scrutinized by some as a manipulation tactic to force the Senate minority to concede to the Senate majority’s demands to end the Covid-era healthcare tax credits instead of extending them throughout the fiscal year. Considering that the unauthorized release and withholding of congressional funds has been set into motion by the commander in chief several times throughout his recent term, it certainly raises suspicion that this is the one time this administration is choosing to actually follow the rules. Malicious compliance has been reported to be a favored tactic amongst Capitol Hill professionals, so this comes as no surprise to some federal workers.

According to a memo acquired by the journalists at Axios, the USDA has said that they would not be releasing these funds, which are expressly set aside for emergencies such as government shutdowns or other disasters, since “the current shutdown doesn’t qualify because it was manufactured by Democrats,” an audaciously false claim which directly contradicts the department’s previous plan relating to a possible federal government shutdown, which noted that “the department is legally obligated to pay SNAP benefits in the event of a shutdown”.

As families begin to hunker down and food pantries start to ration food supplies in preparation for the lack of food support and the influx of hungry low-income citizens, many have expressed worries about the uncertainty of food security in the face of upcoming holiday festivities, such as Thanksgiving. With such concerning and nonsensical announcements being released by the USDA and government officials, many Americans are rightfully worried.