Status of food benefits uncertain for more than 2,200, recipients in Mason, Llano counties

The status and amount of food benefits for the more than 2,200, SNAP recipients in Mason and Llano counties remains uncertain for the month of November. Because of the current federal government shutdown and for the first time in more than 60 years, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program payments were not paid on Oct. 29, for the month of November. 

A few days later, on Oct. 31, two federal judges ordered the federal government to fund the program. The Trump Administration did not appeal the ruling and on Monday, agreed to use $4.65 billion to partially fund the benefits. 

However, details regarding how much and when SNAP recipients will see their benefits, were unknown as of press time.