The US Department of Agriculture has announced it will not utilize its contingency fund to cover food stamp benefits in November, jeopardizing assistance for approximately 42 million Americans. Despite this, President Trump stated that everyone would be “in good shape,” though details were not provided. The agency’s memo clarifies that contingency funds are not legally accessible for regular benefits, and states will not be reimbursed if they use their own funds. This situation increases pressure on Congress to resolve the government shutdown, as the absence of SNAP benefits will significantly impact the country’s most vulnerable.
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Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, November SNAP benefits will not be issued nationwide. This decision, impacting approximately 42 million people, including nearly 170,000 Mainers, stems from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s notification to state agencies. While existing EBT card funds remain available, future benefits are contingent on the shutdown’s resolution or new federal guidance. Maine DHHS is actively monitoring developments and will provide updates as they become available to SNAP recipients.
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Amidst the ongoing government shutdown, roughly 42 million individuals are at risk of losing access to critical food assistance programs in November. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the formal name for food stamps, is projected to run out of funding within two weeks. Without intervention, many vulnerable and hungry families will lose access to this vital support, with states already halting new applications. Although the Trump administration previously diverted funds to maintain other programs, officials have stated there is not enough available to assist the food stamp program, raising concerns about the program’s ability to provide assistance.
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The Trump Administration Cancels Annual Hunger Survey
The news that the Trump administration decided to cancel the annual hunger survey is definitely something to unpack. It’s been a staple for tracking food insecurity in the US since the mid-90s, but now, suddenly, it’s deemed “overly politicized.” You can’t help but wonder, what’s really going on here?
The immediate thought that pops into mind is a rather cynical one. It’s easy to see this as a move to bury bad news. If you don’t measure something, it doesn’t exist, right? Economic policies, tariffs, and cuts to government agencies can create real consequences for everyday Americans.… Continue reading
All UN Security Council members, except the US, are united in their assessment that the famine unfolding in Gaza is, in fact, a man-made crisis. This is a serious statement, and it carries a lot of weight on the international stage. Essentially, every member, with the exception of the United States, seems to agree that the conditions leading to widespread starvation in Gaza are not the result of natural disasters, but rather, the deliberate actions or inactions of those involved. This consensus points to a grim reality: the suffering of the people in Gaza is, in a significant way, preventable.
The situation on the ground in Gaza is undeniably dire.… Continue reading
Michigan food pantry faces closure after 54 years due to lack of funding, and it’s hard to ignore the sting of the situation. The news is that this vital resource for hundreds of community members is facing a stark reality: they need to raise $15,000 in the next three months to stay open. It’s a sobering thought, especially when you consider the long history of service this pantry has provided.
The immediate reaction is disbelief. Can’t someone step in? A federal grant? A generous donation? The community, surely, can rally. Yet, the fact remains, $15,000 is the hurdle. It highlights a concerning trend, where agencies providing essential services are struggling.… Continue reading
Eastern Iowa food banks, such as the North Liberty Community Pantry, report a significant surge in demand, exceeding last year’s numbers by 54,000 pounds of food and 150 families. This increase is attributed to economic pressures, including fluctuating tariff policies that have raised prices and left many families, already living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to afford food. Consequently, pantries are appealing for increased donations of non-perishable and perishable goods, as well as more volunteers. A county-wide food insecurity assessment is planned this summer to better understand the growing need.
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In a recent interview, Dr. Mehmet Oz advocated for parents to feed their children whole, unprocessed foods, emphasizing the importance of a diet based on recognizable, naturally grown produce. He linked this to national health, citing alarmingly low military eligibility rates among youth due to underlying health issues. This advice prompted significant online mockery, with critics highlighting the hypocrisy of the current administration promoting healthy eating after previously deriding similar initiatives. The statement follows similar calls for healthier school meals from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
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President Trump, when questioned about proposed cuts to food assistance programs, argued that lower grocery prices resulting from these cuts would increase food access for all Americans. He cited falling prices for eggs and gasoline as evidence, a claim met with widespread social media ridicule. Critics pointed out that reduced food assistance, even with lower prices, leaves vulnerable families unable to afford food. The assertion of $1.99 gasoline was also factually challenged, highlighting the disconnect between the President’s claims and reality.
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A severe humanitarian crisis grips Gaza, where 93% of the population faces critical food insecurity due to a 77-day Israeli blockade. Senator Chris Van Hollen accuses the U.S. of complicity in this starvation, citing the Trump administration’s inaction despite awareness of the dire situation. A proposed U.S.-backed private aid operation has been rejected by the UN due to concerns about impartiality and existing aid distribution plans. International leaders are urging Israel to lift the blockade, allowing the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to prevent further suffering and potential famine.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood