As the federal government shutdown rolls on with no clear end in sight, recipients of SNAP, often referred to as food stamps, could soon be impacted.
Earlier this week, it was announced if the shutdown continues, the federal government will not pay out SNAP benefits for November and states will not pay money to the vendors to pay out SNAP benefits for November,
Data reported earlier this year shows more than 3,400 Russell County residents receive benefits through SNAP, which is roughly 18-19 percent of the county’s population.
More than 26 percent of Clinton County residents receive SNAP benefits, and nearly 25 percent of Wayne County residents receive SNAP.
That number is 23 percent in Cumberland County and 18 percent in Casey County. In Pulaski and Adair counties, it’s between 17 and 18 percent.
In total, more than 29,000 people would be impacted in Russell and surrounding counties.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said this week once the federal government reopens, Kentucky will begin processing benefits once federal funding returns.
