By Chris Kain
Reply with tips, links, events, things or send them to news@thedcline.org

The DC government will use $30.5 million in local contingency funds to ensure that DC residents enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Women, Infants, and Children Program receive their full November benefits despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, Mayor Muriel Bowserannounced yesterday afternoon.

“We know that SNAP and WIC play a critical role in helping thousands of Washingtonians, and millions of Americans, put food on the table each month,” Bowser said in a statement. “We were hopeful it wouldn’t come to this — and we still need the federal government to reopen as soon as possible — but for right now, we’re moving forward to ensure we take care of DC residents in November.”

About 85,000 DC households — consisting of 141,000 individuals — receive an average of $314 each month via SNAP. There are also 8,300 households that use WIC benefits to purchase items such as infant formula, fruits and vegetables, and other nutritious foods.

To cover the federal portion of the November payments, Bowser is drawing on the District’s contingency cash fund, a locally funded reserve available for unforeseen and nonrecurring needs. The funds will be replenished in her fiscal year 2027 budget submission, according to the mayor’s office.

Click here for full story from the DC Line