The recent government shutdown, lasting 43 days, has ended, but its impact on food assistance programs, particularly SNAP (CalFresh in California), continues. With funding cut off in October, over 42 million Americans, including 5 million Californians, faced uncertainty. The shutdown, occurring just five years after the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupted emergency expansions of these programs. Lauren Au, a nutrition professor, explains that SNAP is the largest anti-hunger program, with one in eight Americans receiving benefits. Eligibility is based on income, and the average recipient receives about $6 per day. However, a recent provision restricts further increases despite rising food costs. The shutdowns impact is unprecedented, with the administration not providing benefits and, in some cases, clawing back funds. Professor Au urges empathy, reminding listeners that $6 a day is a small amount, and many people, including children, depend on SNAP.

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