30 Oct CITC Provides Emergency Food Assistance During Federal Shutdown

Organization steps in to support TANF families facing SNAP benefit disruption

Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) is providing one-time emergency financial assistance to TANF participants affected by the federal government shutdown that has halted SNAP food stamp benefits.

Background

Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits will not be issued on Saturday, November 1st. While the State of Alaska issued October benefits at the end of September, federal funding for November benefits remains unavailable until the shutdown ends.

Emergency Response

“Cook Inlet Tribal Council’s mission is to support Our People, and we take that responsibility seriously—especially when families face hardship through no fault of their own,” said Gloria O’Neill, CITC President and CEO.

We don’t want Our People—especially our kids—to go without food during this shutdown. While the state cannot issue November SNAP benefits during the federal shutdown, CITC will be providing a one-time emergency payment of $200 per enrolled TANF household member to help support families in meeting their basic needs in order to continue engaging in employment or job readiness.  

How Participants Will Receive Assistance

• Emergency payments will be loaded directly onto participants’ TANF Rapid cards this weekend
• Participants not currently set up with a card will receive a check

Next Steps

CITC is approving these supplemental payments immediately, with funds expected to be available by this weekend. TANF participants with questions or needing assistance should contact us at (907) 793-3600, extension 2 or speak with their Case Manager.