The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be paused beginning Wednesday, Oct. 29, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which funds SNAP, has notified states that November benefits may be delayed if the shutdown continues.
DHHS CEO Steve Corsi said the state is prepared to resume benefit processing as soon as the federal shutdown ends.
“DHHS has a plan in place to immediately begin working with the USDA to process payments and get benefits to recipients as soon as possible when the government shutdown ends,” Corsi said.
SNAP Benefits Still on EBT Cards
Current SNAP recipients may continue using any remaining benefits on their EBT cards. Unused funds remain available for up to nine months from the last use date.
“While November SNAP benefit issuances may be delayed, DHHS staff remain ready to assist Nebraskans by accepting and processing applications, recertifications, and reported changes,” said Shannon Grotrian, Director of the Office of Economic Assistance.
Nemaha and Johnson County residents have many local resources for assistance. In turn these organizations could use your support and donations as well with the imminent increased demand.
Food Assistance Finders
Nebraskans in need of immediate food or financial help can contact 211, the statewide resource and referral hotline.
Call 2-1-1 or visit uwm211.org/nebraska-programs. You can also text your zipcode to 898211 to chat with someone to find local resources.
Food Bank of Lincoln food finder shows pantry locations near by. Visit lincolnfoodbank.org/get-food/food-finder and input your zipcode
Nemaha and Johnson County Food Assistance Resources
Catholic Social Services (Pawnee, Richardson, Johnson, Nemaha and Otoe Counties) - 1020 Central Ave · 402-327-6242
Project Response, Inc. (Pawnee, Richardson, Johnson, Nemaha and Otoe Counties) - 908 13th St, Auburn · 402-274-5092
Southeast Nebraska Community Action (SENCA) (Pawnee, Richardson, Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, Cass and Sarpy Counties) - 802 Fourth Street Humboldt · 402-862-2411
Nemaha County Outreach - 1908 O Street, Auburn · 402-274-4666 · [email protected]
Johnson County Outreach - 172 S 4th Street, Tecumseh · 402-335-2134 · [email protected]
Meals on Wheels (Tecumseh, Humboldt, Pawnee City) - 402-862-2411 x 108 or [email protected]
Meals on Wheels (Auburn) (402) 274-4677
Feeding 44 at Peru State College distributes on the first Friday of every month from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Auburn Backpack Program (income verification required) - Parents may contact Auburn Public Schools administrators for more info.
Johnson-Brock Backpack Program - Parents may contact J-B Public Schools administrators for more info.
