On Tuesday, Oklahoma’s Department of Human Services announced SNAP benefits would be suspended starting Nov. 1 due to the ongoing government shutdown.

The agency said it was unclear if existing benefits this month could still be used next month. Agency spokespersons declined to participate in an interview.

SNAP benefits have faced a looming threat from the lapse in appropriations since the shutdown began. More than 684,000 Oklahomans use the benefits.

“I was really shocked,” said 60-year-old Sophia Lindsey of Oklahoma City. “I was surprised because I’ve been on food stamps since ‘03, and we’ve been doing shutdowns before, and this is the first time they’ve ever stopped our benefits.”

Oklahoma’s Department of Human Services sent guidance directly to recipients of SNAP benefits following

See Full Page