Leo said that TEFAP deliveries could end after February as a result of the shutdown too, but he’s uncertain.

In an emailed statement to The Journal Times, a Food and Nutrition Service spokesperson said that the “USDA is hopeful that the February solution announced (last) week provides Congress with enough time to enact a full year appropriation. While we would explore all options in case the lapse continues, we are hopeful that Congress will provide appropriations legislation that the president can sign.”

The ‘food stamp’ situation

The partial government shutdown, which began Dec. 22 and is now the longest in history, should have cut off the USDA’s funding after Dec. 21. However, through what Taivalkoski called “a federal loophole,” the USDA was able to approve SNAP funding through the end of next month. That same loophole can’t be used again in February, Taivalkoski said.

“At President Trump’s direction, we have been working with the administration on this solution … And we want to assure states, and SNAP recipients, that the benefits for February will be provided,” Perdue said in a Jan. 8 statement.