ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA), a nonprofit humanitarian and advocacy organization, issued the following statement regarding the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) recent letter that was sent to state government agencies to hold payments of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to beneficiaries starting Nov. 1. In the Oct. 10 letter, USDA cited “insufficient funds” for this action, stemming in part from the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has now entered its third week.
“IRUSA is deeply disturbed about the possibility of households not receiving SNAP benefits next month. Working families, young children, and residents unable to work due to a disability must not suffer the consequences of government inaction,” Ahmed Shehata, CEO of IRUSA, said.
“Approximately 42 million households depend on SNAP, helping them to meet their basic nutritional needs. We urge our elected officials — both in the Senate and in the House of Representatives — to negotiate in good faith on behalf of the American people, make reasonable compromises on policy differences, and to reopen the government. Too many crucial services that taxpayers rely upon for their well-being are at stake of being disrupted, as this latest example shows. SNAP benefits must be sent in order to avoid increased rates of hunger and food insecurity. It is a moral imperative.”
MEDIA CONTACTS
Syed M. Hassan
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About Islamic Relief USA
Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Va., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization. Its mission is to provide relief and development in a dignified manner regardless of gender, race, or religion, and works to empower individuals in their communities and give them a voice in the world. Its programs benefit millions of people each year in more than 40 countries around the world, including in the United States.