With the looming possibility of a federal government shutdown, the Department of Human Services says SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, will not be available for use by recipients if the federal government does indeed shut down. The Tennessee Department of Human Services is over 90 percent federally funded and a federal government shutdown will impact operations.

During the federal government shutdown in 2013, federal SNAP benefits were not immediately affected. Unlike the last shutdown, DHS has been informed that USDA does not have the funding necessary for SNAP benefits to continue in October if a shutdown occurs.

Although the Department is optimistic that the shutdown will not occur, they are doing their due diligence to ensure they are prepared in the event a shutdown does occur.

Source:

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