SNAP

Lawmakers in Washington voted to reopen the federal government Wednesday night, but the longest shutdown in history is likely to have a lasting impact, including in the Capital Region.

As the federal government shutdown continues, food assistance benefits for millions of Americans remain in limbo. The partial suspension of SNAP benefits complicates an already difficult situation for recipients with food sensitivities.

With the federal government committing to funding only half of this month’s SNAP benefits, states across the country, including in the Northeast, are continuing to pick a path forward with less federal food assistance funding now on the table. Massachusetts is home to at least a million people who rely on the program, with many in the state’s Gateway cities. However, as Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester State Senator Jo Comerford tells WAMC, food insecurity is just as present in one of the state’s most rural corners.

Nearly half of all residents in Springfield, Mass. utilize SNAP benefits in some way. With federal funding for the food assistance in flux, city officials have announced a series of efforts and partnerships to help stave off hunger in their community.

Connecticut State Senator Saud Anwar has been feeding himself on just $6.20 per day -- the total he says more than 350,000 Connecticut residents who rely upon Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits live on.

In less than 48 hours, millions of American will likely face delays for one of the nation’s largest federal food assistance program. It’s prompting states across the country to take action, including Massachusetts, where at least a million residents will be affected, with some communities hit especially hard.

Massachusetts is bracing for a number of federal programs to stop abruptly once the ongoing government shutdown stretches into November.

Capital Region food pantries are bracing for increased demand as the United States Department of Agriculture plans to put federal food assistance benefits on hold.

For decades, a regional food bank in Massachusetts has been working to fight hunger, providing millions of pounds of food annually throughout western Mass. With demand not letting up and federal cuts already being stomached, leaders at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts say cuts elsewhere have them bracing for impact.

Advocates have been outraged that Governor Phil Scott will allow data on the state’s food stamp program to be shared with the federal government. But Governor Scott counters the state is legally obligated to provide the information.