The ongoing federal government shutdown poses a serious risk to food security for over 5,000 residents of Chattooga County, Georgia.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which assists about one in five people in the area, is projected to run out of funds in the next two weeks, raising widespread concern.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins warned that more than 42 million Americans depend on SNAP for essential grocery purchases. If Congress does not approve a continuing resolution soon, the program will cease operations.

As a result of the funding uncertainty, the USDA has instructed states to stop processing November’s SNAP benefits, leaving recipients unsure about their future assistance. Local advocacy groups stress the urgency for lawmakers to prioritize resolving budget disagreements to prevent a complete disruption of food aid for vulnerable families.