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The United States Department of Agriculture stated on Saturday that monthly food benefits from a major federal support systems are not going out next month because of the continuing government funding lapse.

Impasse Persists Through Its Third Week

The government shutdown had reached its 25th day when the announcement was made, in response to appeals by more than two hundred Democratic representatives asking the USDA to tap into emergency reserves to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.

“The reality is, the well has run dry,” the USDA stated. “Currently, there will be no benefits issued” starting next month.

Millions Affected

Tens of millions of people rely on these food benefits, as reported by federal data. In certain states, including one southwestern state, reliance on the program affects a significant portion of citizens.

Internal communications seen by journalists indicated that the department chose not to tap emergency reserves for the upcoming payments.

Partisan Impasse

Republicans and Democrats continue to disagree over how to support and resume the federal government.

Comments by the director at a prominent policy organization suggested that the administration had chances to act sooner to avoid interruption in payments.

“It could have, and should have taken steps weeks ago to get ready to use these funds,” the statement continued. “Instead, it may choose not to use them for potential political benefit” as conservative leaders work to influence Democratic senators to support a funding package that would resume the federal government.

Emergency Measures

Executives in two affected states declared states of emergency this week to allocate funds to combat potential hunger expecting nutrition assistance payments stopping during the upcoming period.