đ Share this article Nutrition Assistance Set to End for Tens of Millions Amid Ongoing Federal Shutdown Federal agriculture authorities announced on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments from a major federal social assistance programs won't be issued next month due to the ongoing government funding lapse. Closure Continues For Nearly Four Weeks The federal closure had reached its 25th day as officials revealed the news, coming after demands from hundreds of Democratic representatives pushing agriculture officials to tap into contingency funds to cover next month's benefits. âBottom line, the well has run dry,â the department confirmed. âAt this time, there will be no benefits issuedâ on 1 November. Millions Affected Over 40 million Americans depend on the regular assistance, as reported by federal data. In certain states, like one southwestern state, use of the program reaches a significant portion of citizens. Documents reviewed by a major news agency revealed that the department would not access contingency funding to cover next month's assistance. Legislative Deadlock Congressional leaders continue to disagree about the way to support and resume federal agencies. Comments by the director at a prominent policy organization suggested that federal leadership had chances to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments. âThey had the ability and responsibility taken steps earlier to be prepared to use these funds,â the remarks concluded. âRather, officials could opt out to secure political leverageâ as Republicans seek to pressure Senate Democrats to vote for a funding package to restart the federal government. Local Responses State leaders from two affected states issued emergency declarations this week to make money available to address food insecurity expecting food benefits expiring in November.