The federal government shutdown has frozen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November, affecting several states.
Arizona and New Mexico are deploying emergency aid, while Utah has warned that it cannot issue November payments.
“In terms of SNAP, the state of Arizona and the state of New Mexico are utilizing their own dollars to help,”said former President Jonathan Nez.
In the Navajo Nation, officials are urging families to conserve resources and prepare for shortages, with Nez calling for a renewed focus on food sovereignty and community self-reliance.
Author's summary: Former President Nez urges self-reliance amid shutdown.