In a recent announcement from Nashville, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has advised residents to brace for potential delays in receiving their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits come November. This warning comes amid ongoing federal government shutdown concerns.

Starting November 1, SNAP beneficiaries may notice a pause in benefits credited to their cards. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed that any unused benefits from October will remain accessible as November begins.

Governor Lee attributed the looming disruption to legislative inaction, stating, “Congressional Democrats have not yet voted to end the government shutdown. As long as there is a delay in reopening the government, beneficiaries should anticipate interruptions as the program resumes.” Lee further emphasized, “It is Congress’s duty to fund the federal government. While Democrats continue to withhold federal funds, my administration is collaborating with faith-based organizations and nonprofit partners to prevent hunger among Tennessee families.”

Highlighting his empathy for affected residents, Governor Lee expressed, “I understand the frustration of hardworking Tennesseans facing this temporary setback. I urge Democrats to prioritize the well-being of the American people over political disputes and reopen the government promptly.”

SNAP is a crucial support system for over 690,000 Tennesseans, playing a vital role in sustaining farmers, grocers, and retailers throughout the state’s rural areas. Despite Tennessee’s budget allocating more than $3.2 billion in federal funds for SNAP benefits, there are no state funds reserved to replace these benefits should federal support falter.

According to the state’s latest budget, Tennessee has more than $3.2 billion in federal money set aside for SNAP benefits. However, there are zero state dollars budgeted to replace those benefits if Washington fails to deliver.

The shutdown may also cause delays in processing applications or renewals.