MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) – As the United States’ federal government shutdown hits its third week, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers says that the FoodShare program is in jeopardy.
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According to a release from Gov. Evers’ office, Wisconsin’s FoodShare Program will run out of funding in 10 days should the shutdown not end before. The program benefits about 700,000 Wisconsin residents, according to Gov. Evers.
An October 10 letter to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) directors nationwide said that full benefits will not have sufficient funding if the shutdown continues.
That letter directed states to hold their insurance files for November and delay transmission to state vendors until further notice. FoodShare is 100% federally funded, and Gov. Evers says it’s now in jeopardy as the program may be unavailable in November if the shutdown continues.
The shutdown is over a ‘refusal to negotiate on the extension of tax credits for the Affordable Care Act,’ according to the release. Governor Evers said the following in the release:
“With rising costs and President Trump’s chaotic trade wars, Wisconsin families are already struggling to make ends meet and put food on the table, and every day that Republicans continue this reckless and harmful shutdown is another day that our kids, families, farmers, veterans, seniors, and communities fall even further behind. There’s no excuse for it. None.”
Anybody who may need additional food or infant formula for their homes should reach out to 211 for help and more information by doing any of the following:
- Call 211 or (877) 947-2211
- Visit the 211 Wisconsin website
- Text their ZIP code to 898211
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The Department of Health Services says that Medicaid and FoodShare members should also ensure their information is still up to date. The department will announce changes broadly as needed.
Click here for the full release.
