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I can't believe I am sending out information in this newsletter on where people can get food. But this is life under the current leadership in Washington, D.C.
The following is the most up-to-date information from the Department of Social Services concerning federal SNAP benefits. Previously known as food stamps, the SNAP benefit is provided to approximately 360,000 Connecticut residents to help ensure that no one goes hungry in our state -- 120,000 children and 90,000 seniors are included in that total number.
The Trump administration is cutting off all benefits beginning Nov. 1. I anticipate we will see the negative impact of this cut almost immediately in our communities and I am working with my colleagues to meet basic needs until the funding is resolved.
What This Means:
Those who rely on monthly SNAP benefits to feed their families will face significant hardship beginning Nov. 1until the shutdown ends. There likely will be increased demand at food pantries and meal programs across the state.
What We Now Know:
- No new SNAP benefits will be added to any beneficiary’s SNAP benefit (EBT) cards until the federal shutdown ends. This means that starting Nov. 1, households will not receive their regular monthly SNAP allocation.
- If a SNAP beneficiary has a balance from previous months, it will still be available after Nov. 1. Call 1-888-328-2666 or use MyDSS online to check your balance.
- DSS is still accepting and processing SNAP applications. If someone is approved for benefits for October, those benefits will appear on their card when the federal government reopens.
State Response So far:
- $3 million in emergency funding is being provided to help Connecticut Foodshare expand its capacity to meet urgent needs.
- DSS is working closely with Connecticut Foodshare and the United Way to ensure no one falls through the cracks.
- DSS will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate our response with food security partners statewide.
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