Funding for SNAP in Nebraska secure through March

As the United States enters its third week of a partial government shutdown SNAP recipients across the country are worried about continuing to receive their benefits.

“Individuals on fixed income, seniors, homeless, quite a few people here in Nebraska are dependent on this resource,” Katie Nungesser with the Food Bank of Lincoln said.

Nebraska Appleseed said the program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is without federal funding after January unless the USDA can provide enough reserve funds to get by. 

Nebraska DHHS confirmed late Monday that Nebraska’s SNAP program has secured funding through March, according to Leah Bucco-White.

176,000 Nebraskans receive SNAP benefits, according to Nebraska Appleseed. Of those people, 76% are children and nearly 30% are elderly or disabled. 

While Nebraska’s funding seems secure for the near future, staff members at the Food Bank of Lincoln said they’re still hopeful for a quick resolution.

“We’re just kind of in a holding pattern waiting to see what’s going to happen,” Nungesser said. “At the Food Bank we’re trying to stay on top of it so we know what’s going on, but we’re just hoping some kind of decision will be reached to make sure these resources will stay available.”

In the instance that your family’s benefits do end up being disrupted by the shutdown, Food Bank of Lincoln does have additional resources. 

Visit their website or call their SNAP Outreach Hotline at 855-444-5556.