Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Millions of Americans began to lose food aid over the weekend as funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) lapsed because of the government shutdown. Associated Press is reporting the Trump administration said it will partially fund SNAP, though it’s not clear how much beneficiaries will receive, nor how quickly beneficiaries will see funding show up on the debit cards they use to buy groceries. In an update issued this morning and reported by CBS news, President Trump said today on his Truth Social network that federal food benefits provided through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will go out only when Democrats vote to end the ongoing government shutdown.

Despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, the American Samoa Department of Human and Social Services (DHSS) says it remains cautiously optimistic about sustaining most of its programs and services with the funding levels that are currently available and accessible to American Samoa.

Director Panisia Neueli said, "Since the news of the federal government shutdown began circulating, DHSS remains steadfast in our efforts to stay connected with our federal partners. Admittedly, it has become more challenging as many of our federal counterparts have been furloughed since October 1st.

"DHSS has requested further clarification and guidance since the recent notice issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS) that "the well has run dry." And, no benefits were issued November 1.

The projections are for grave impacts for our nation with food stamps suspended for the first time in recent history as a result of a federal shutdown is a reality that we all hope to avoid.

The American Samoa Nutrition Assistance Program (ASNAP) is a Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) block grant. Although both are funded by the USDA FNS, SNAP and NAP are different programs. Moreover, the ASNAP is the only modified and simplified Food Stamp Program in the nation to benefit only low-income elderly, blind, and disabled individuals.

Meanwhile, the shutdown was entering its sixth week as Republicans and Democrats were still at a stalemate.