Due to the continued government shutdown, funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides essential food assistance to low-income individuals nationwide, was set to expire on November 1. Without action, up to 42 million individuals could have lost the support they need to put healthy food on the table. 

On October 29, Galen Carey, NAE vice president of government relations, joined Christian leaders across the country — representing millions of believers — in issuing a statement urging Congress and the administration to ensure families do not lose access to food assistance during the shutdown. 

As part of the letter organized by the Circle of Protection, the leaders called on the federal government to use existing contingency and transfer funds to keep SNAP and WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) benefits flowing — reminding policymakers that churches cannot fill the gap alone when millions of families are at risk of hunger. 

Scripture calls us to care for the most vulnerable among us, and protecting access to food is both a moral and fiscal responsibility. Since the letter was sent, federal courts have ordered the administration to use U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) contingency funds. In addition, the White House announced it would resume SNAP payments, though participants will receive only about half of their normal benefits. 

While we celebrate the resumption of benefits, we continue to urge Congress and the White House to work together to reopen the government and provide continued stable funding so vulnerable Americans do not go hungry. 

Read the Statement