Food benefits for more than 150,000 people in Shelby County could stop next month if the shutdown of the federal government continues, according to state officials.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) said it received notification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA that federally-funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November will be unavailable if the shutdown persists.
Benefits for October were issued as normal, TDHS said in a news alert on the state website. Tennesseans deemed eligible for SNAP benefits in October will receive benefits for the time period in October for which they qualify. However, if the federal government shutdown continues, benefits for November may not be issued.
TDHS said it will monitor the situation and update its website for new information.
Shelby County would be hardest hit if SNAP benefits do not arrive. In September, 152,265 people here relied on SNAP benefits for food. These benefits totaled more than $33 million each month in Shelby County.
The missing funds could also mean a monthly $33 million hole in the local economy as those without food assistance might not be able to shop at area grocery stores.
