More than 400,000 New Mexicans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could see a halt to their food assistance next month due to the ongoing government shutdown, according to a top state health official.
Healthcare Authority Secretary Kari Armijo told lawmakers on the Legislative Finance Committee at their Oct. 15 meeting that her agency has been informed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that they will not have the necessary funding to distribute SNAP benefits to states next month “if the shutdown persists.”
She added that USDA officials stated they are also considering deauthorizing the use of the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system, which is used by 1,700 retailers in New Mexico that accept SNAP benefits. The electronic system allows SNAP recipients to use their benefits when paying for food.
Armijo said if the government reopened before November, the Healthcare Authority, formerly the State’s Human Services Department, would move swiftly to ensure SNAP participants receive their benefits, but that it currently appears those benefits will not be paid out on time.
She added that for now, the Healthcare Authority is working with food banks to alert them about the likely suspension of benefits and expedite the issuance of additional support for those entities that were approved during the special legislative session earlier this month.
Figures provided by the Healthcare Authority during a presentation to the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee last month stated that as of August, 21.5% of New Mexicans — or about 459,500 individuals – rely on monthly SNAP benefits. The USDA provided more than $80,000,000 in food aid to qualified New Mexico families in May, the latest month when federal data was available.
What if you live in a small town that is not equipped with a good pantry or food bank
New Mexicans, please step up and donate to our food banks to the best of your abilities. ?
You can also volunteer at a food bank. In Albuquerque, Roadrunner Food Bank is a good place to volunteer. I have prepped food to distribute such as packaging dry goods such as pasta and cereal in family size portions and sorting produce to ensure people get quality food. There are opportunities Monday through Saturday in Albuquerque, Loving, Las Cruces and other Southern NM locations. It is fun, easy, volunteering with good people and giving to the community. Come as a family, a church group or check with your employer! https://www.rrfb.org/give/give-time/