Some Now Getting Partial SNAP Benefits

The federal government shutdown could be coming to an end.

The Senate voted on a measure to end the longest shutdown in U.S. history on Tuesday. Eight Democrats broke ranks and voted with Republicans to fund the government. The measure headed to the House, which was expected to vote on Wednesday.

Perhaps the biggest effect of the shutdown in Fayette County was the pause on payments to families enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Last week local food pantries reported a major increase in clients seeking food assistance after SNAP payments were paused on Nov. 1.

However, partial payments for some SNAP recipients resumed on Nov. 10. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which manages the SNAP program, directed states to issue up to 65 percent of benefits for the month. The directive came in response to recent court decisions concerning the SNAP program.

Some Texas SNAP recipients reported receiving those benefits on Nov. 10.