Hoosiers who receive food through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP will receive February benefits despite the government shutdown.  The USDA directed states to apply and issue benefits early.

The USDA will use money from a continuing resolution – funds set aside to pay for February food assistance.  The department gave states until Jan. 20 to request the funds.

Indiana benefits are administered through the Family and Social Services Administration, FSSA.  The organization says it will facilitate an early lump sum issuance on Jan. 19. Usually benefits are provided throughout the month.  People on SNAP in Indiana are therefore encouraged to budget food benefits for next month.

Those with pending applications should have documents reported by Monday.

The USDA says there are sufficient funds to continue child nutrition programs including school meals through March.

Nearly 600,000 Hoosiers use SNAP.