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The United States Department of Agriculture announced on Saturday that monthly food benefits under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs will not be distributed in November because of the continuing government funding lapse.

Impasse Persists For Nearly Four Weeks

The government shutdown was in three and a half weeks when the announcement was made, coming after appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats pushing the USDA to utilize contingency funds to fund November's food assistance.

“Ultimately, the well has run dry,” the USDA stated. “Currently, no payments will be distributed” starting next month.

Widespread Impact

Tens of millions of people count on these food benefits, according to official statistics. In certain states, like one southwestern state, reliance on the program reaches 21% of residents.

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

Political Stalemate

Lawmakers from both parties are still at odds over how to fund and reopen the federal government.

A statement from the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that federal leadership had opportunities to act sooner to ensure continuous assistance.

“Officials were able and expected to acted earlier to get ready to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Rather, they might decide against it for potential political benefit” as conservative leaders work to influence Democratic senators to support a spending bill that would resume the federal government.

Emergency Measures

State leaders from Louisiana and Virginia issued emergency declarations this week to free up resources for hunger relief preparing for nutrition assistance payments stopping in November.