The ongoing federal government shutdown has now lasted 35 days, equaling the longest such closure in American history. As the stalemate continues, economic pressures are mounting across multiple sectors, particularly affecting low-income households and state budgets. On Monday, the Trump Administration announced it would use emergency reserves to partially fund SNAP benefits, offering temporary relief to food assistance recipients. However, the timeline for actual disbursement remains unclear, with both Missouri and Kansas awaiting formal instructions from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. n nThe financial strain extends beyond individual families. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe estimates that the state is losing approximately $232 million in economic activity and gross state product each week the shutdown persists—amounting to nearly $1 billion in lost output over the course of a month. These losses ripple through local economies, impacting consumer spending and public services. n nIn response, community organizations are stepping in to fill the gap. The Fort Osage School District, for example, is providing free dinners to individuals under 18 at Cler-Mont Elementary and Elm Grove Elementary from Monday through Friday during November. Meals are served between 4:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m., depending on the location, with adult meals available for $3.75 regardless of district enrollment. n nDr. Jason Snodgrass, Superintendent of Fort Osage, emphasized the district’s role in supporting struggling families during this period, especially as uncertainty surrounds SNAP benefit availability. He described the initiative as part of a broader community effort to mitigate hardship. n nNationwide, nearly 1.4 million federal workers have missed paychecks due to furloughs or delayed payments, while an additional 41 million people await November’s SNAP allocations without a confirmed distribution schedule. Larry Wigger, a supply chain economist at UMKC, noted early signs of financial distress, including rising delinquencies on credit card and auto payments. He characterized the situation as deepening economic strain during a time already marked by inflationary pressures and recession concerns. n nDespite the localized pain, Wigger does not anticipate significant disruptions to national supply chains or broad macroeconomic consequences. He stressed that while grocery shelves are unlikely to empty due to reduced purchasing, the human impact at the household level remains severe. n nArthur Murphy, a grandparent from the Kansas City metro area, shared his personal experience, bringing his two grandsons to receive a meal at Cler-Mont. He expressed gratitude for the support, stating that every bit of assistance makes a difference during these difficult times. n nResources for affected families in the Kansas City region are available through local service networks. n— news from KSHB 41 Kansas City
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An in-depth look at the economic impact from the federal government shutdown
KSHB 41 reporter Isabella Ledonne reports on stories about government accountability. Share your story idea with Isabella. n n— n nTuesday marks the 35th day of the federal government shutdown, tying it for the longest shutdown in U.S. history. n nTuesday marks the 35th day of the federal government shutdown, tying it for the longest shutdown in U.S. history. n nFood stamp recipients got a brief sigh of relief on Monday as the Trump Administration announced it will tap into emergency funds to provide partial SNAP benefits. n nHowever, it ‘s not known how long it will be until those benefits are paid out. Both Missouri and Kansas told KSHB 41 News they are waiting for official guidance from the USDA. n nBut its not just families impacted. n nMissouri Governor Mike Kehoe claims the state is losing hundreds of millions of dollars in economic output for each week the shutdown continues. n nAs the budgets for state and federal governments tighten, so do the wallets of thousands of families in the area. n nFort Osage School District is one of the many schools, churches and other agencies stepping up as the government shutdown continues. The school district is offering free dinners for anyone under 18 at Cler-Mont Elementary School and Elm Grove Elementary school Monday through Friday in November. n nThe district is offering meals at Cler-Mont from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and at Elm Grove from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. n nAdult meals cost $3.75. Families do not have children enrolled in the Fort Osage School District to attend. n n”Fort Osage is just one piece of the puzzle,” Superintendent Dr. Jason Snodgrass said. “We want to be a part of the solution. We want to help families as best as we can.” n n”We believe that it ‘s very important to help those families with any strain that they may be feeling with losing the SNAP benefits,” Dr. Snodgrass said. n nNearly 1.4 million Americans have gone without a paycheck this month due to federal furloughs or withholdings. 41 million more people are waiting for their November SNAP benefits, but there ‘s no clear distribution date in sight. n n”We ‘re already starting to see some delinquency on payments, whether its for credit cards, automobiles, those kind of things,” Larry Wigger, UMKC supply chain economist, said. “It ‘s more economic hardship at a point when we were already struggling and flirting with inflation and recession.” n nThe White House and Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe ‘s office say the state is expected to lose out on $232 million of economic activity and gross state product each week of the shutdown. That ‘s about $1 billion of lost economic product for the month of the government shutdown, according to the White House. n nBut Wigger explained he doesn ‘t expect the shutdown to have lasting impacts for the overall economy. n n”It ‘s at the macro level, the individual level, where it ‘s really painful and hard to watch,” Wigger said. “I don ‘t expect huge impact to the supply chains. It ‘s not like there ‘s going to be a lot of stuff sitting on the grocery shelves because it ‘s not being bought.” n nBut even if the overall economy isn ‘t directly impacted by the shutdown, thousands of families in the metro are. n n”I ‘m one of them,” Arthur Murphy, a grandparent, said. n nMurphy brought his two grandsons to get a hot meal Monday night at Cler-Mont. n n”It helps,” Murphy said. “Everything helps.” n nA list of resources for families in need in the KC metro can be found here. n n—