There's good news, and less-than-good-news for Tri-State families who rely on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The good news is February benefits are available early. Now to be exact. The less-than-good-news is there's a catch.

The catch is this, it doesn't mean additional benefits will be available at the start of February. It simply means that if a family is running low now, those funds can be accessed early which will require budgeting in order to make those benefits last through the end of February.

If you or someone you know needs additional assistance meeting the families food needs until the shutdown ends and the benefits schedule gets back on track, you call 2-1-1, or visit the Indiana 211 website.

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