ATLANTA – The federal government could shut down this weekend if Congress does not reach an agreement. The impact could hit hundreds of thousands of Georgians people who rely on federal programs like SNAP, also known as food stamps. A lengthy shutdown could hurt low-income Georgians who depend on that assistance.
“There could be serious consequences for SNAP if this shutdown extends beyond October,” said Ife Finch Floyd, Director of Economic Justice with the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute. She says many families would be forced to make tough choices “having to decide between affording medicine or putting gas in the car or purchasing food.”’
Finch Floyd says the impact from the loss of SNAP benefits could ripple throughout local economies. “If those were to stop, grocery stores would feel the impact as well,” she said.
