(IDAHO) – The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has announced it will delay issuing food assistance benefits starting next month due to the federal government shutdown. The U.S. Department of Agriculture requested the suspension as federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, is on track to run out within two weeks. This pause in benefits for Idaho residents will begin in November and is expected to continue until federal funding is restored.
While the state will continue to accept new applications, Health and Welfare officials are warning residents to expect longer wait times at call centers and offices. The department clarified that benefits for the Woman, Infants, and Children program, or WIC, are not affected by this suspension. For those needing immediate food assistance, officials are directing residents to find local food banks by visiting the department’s website or by calling the Idaho CareLine at 211.
