Last week the Department of Agriculture announced that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will be giving February SNAP benefits a little early and should be received by January 20. Due to the current partial government shutdown there is no guarantee for future payments.  California’s Department of Social Services advised SNAP recipients “you should plan your food budget knowing that these benefits will be the only benefits provided through the end of February.” A nonprofit organization called Feeding America reports that more than 42 million people in the country receive SNAP benefits.   Although the Government has been shut down for 26 days and is recorded as the longest yet recorded the school breakfasts, lunches and after-school meals are funded through March so students will be able to continue their education.