JUDY WOODRUFF: With the government shutdown
now in its 27th day, many federal programs
have been affected, including food stamps.
So far, there is no major lapse in benefits
used by nearly 39 million people each month.
That's because of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
It found a way to pay SNAP benefits, as they
are called, earlier than normal.
February benefits, awarded through a debit-style
card used at stores, are being paid out this
week.
Several states, including California and Florida,
are warning users to be careful and make sure
they manage to make the money last longer.
For 2,500 retailers, the problem is already
here.
That's because those stores needed to renew
a license for the Electronic Benefit Transfer,
or EBT debit card program, and they failed
to meet a deadline before the shutdown.
Those renewals, required every five years,
are on hold.
Sarah Jackson is an employee at one store
in Northern Arkansas.
SARAH JACKSON, Grocery Store Worker: We have
been completely unable to take any form of
SNAP EBT payments.
Grocery stores need a license to process EBT
payments, and ours expired and was unable
to be renewed on schedule because of the government
shutdown.
Because of an argument about a wall, I have
to look people in the eyes every day and tell
them they can't pay for their food, for their
children's food.
JUDY WOODRUFF: Sarah Jackson in Arkansas.
We reached out to the U.S. Department of Agriculture
for a response.
A spokesperson wrote back -- quote -- "Over
99 percent of SNAP retailers are able to accept
benefits as usual.
There is a small percentage of stores that
failed to complete a required reauthorization
process that was due on December 21.
These stores can take steps to update their
status once funding is restored" -- end quote.
