Beginning Saturday, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits will be delayed until the federal government reopens and funding resumes.

This will increase the demand for food assistance, according to the Idaho Foodbank. During a government shutdown, there may also be an increased demand for food assistance from federal employees and their families who experience disrupted paychecks.

Due to the federal government shutdown and lapse in funding, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has instructed Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to temporarily delay issuing SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps). This does not affect WIC benefits.

Federal officials announced they would stop distributing funds to keep the food aid going in November because of the shutdown, after President Donald Trump decided not to draw from contingency funds that would have provided some additional money to the program.

Some other states, including Illinois and Massachusetts, have pledged to find the money in their state budgets to keep SNAP running until the federal government comes back online.

But the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has no plans to do so, said AJ McWhorter, a spokesperson for the department.

According to the Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy, around 130,900 people, or one in 15 Idaho residents, rely on SNAP to get by.

Most recipients are families with children, and many are also seniors, people with disabilities or individuals working in low-wage jobs. For them, SNAP offers more than just food, it provides a bit of breathing room to focus on work, school, health and caring for loved ones.

SNAP applications will continue to be accepted. However, DHW must temporarily delay issuing SNAP benefits for the month of November and beyond until funding resumes.

Idaho has nearly 300 food banks, food pantries and soup kitchens to help support families when they need help right away. Find a location by calling the Idaho CareLine at 211 or 800-926-2588.

If you or someone you know needs help accessing food, text “food” to the National Hunger Hotline at 97779, call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or visit idahofoodbank.org/get-help/getfood/.