Local leaders want Congress to consider food stamps 'essential' during shutdowns

Another government shutdown could impact food assistance programs, but Durham leaders are taking steps to protect the people who rely on those services.

Durham County commissioners will gather Monday to discuss the local impact another government shutdown would provide.

Their drafted resolution directed at Congressional leaders asks lawmakers to consider the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (called SNAP or food stamps) an essential service.

During the last shutdown, which lasted more than a month, SNAP recipients received February benefits early, but the government said that funding would not last through an extended shutdown.

Durham commissioners will vote Monday night to decide whether to send this document to Washington.

At that point, lawmakers can decide whether to adopt it or not.

Prolonged government shutdown could hurt families on food stamps

The Durham commissioners are also encouraging other leaders in all of North Carolina's counties to draft similar resolutions.

View WRAL's complete coverage of the government shutdown.