After more than a month into the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, its devastating effects have started to come into play in the lives of many. As negotiations and blame games in Congress continue, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has lost its funding and is now being given half of the money needed to serve the 42 million Americans that depend on its benefits. 

Since the first food stamp program in 1939, the Department of Agriculture has provided those in need with resources to put food on the table. But with the annual budget not being approved by the end of the fiscal year, President Donald Trump has said on Truth Social that SNAP benefits will only be given when “the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do.” 

In past government shutdowns, it has been common for each party to blame the other for being unwilling to negotiate or too stern in their wants for the budget. As the presidency, House and Senate is currently Republican or a Republican majority, Trump has been quick to shift the blame to the Democrats for the shutdown and its effects. 

After a court order was made by a federal Rhode Island judge to use the Agriculture Department’s contingency fund of $4.65 billion to continue to support SNAP, it is only half of the money needed to continue to reach every citizen. 

Many political figures have taken to social media to express their disapproval of Trump’s work, such as former Vice President Kamala Harris. 

“This guy wants to create a ballroom for his rich friends,” Harris said. “He is completely turning a blind eye to the fact that babies are going to starve when SNAP benefits end.”

With conflict continuing and minimal progress towards reopening the government, many members of the community are facing its devastating effects.

If you or someone you know is being impacted by this deficit in the SNAP program, find a location through the Food Share of Ventura to pick up resources during this time.