As a result of the government shutdown, our state could not issue February benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps) later than January 20th, 2019. This means that most people receiving food benefits have already received the February 
payment to their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
Please help us spread the word to anyone who receives these benefits that this is not an extra payment. They WILL NOT receive a food benefit payment in February as they usually do. The earliest someone will receive another food benefit payment is March, and that is only if if the government reopens in time to do so.
Most food banks are not equipped to handle the kind of increase they may see as a result of this. Please consider connecting with your local food bank to learn what their current needs are and how you might help.