joe cirincione from ploughshares, and rebeccah heinrichs from the hud institute. thank you so much to you both. >> thanks, nick. >> thank you. >> woodruff: with thrnment shutdown now in its 27th day, many federal programs have been affected, including food stamps. so far, there is no major lapse in benefits used by nearly 39 million people each mont that's because the u.s. department of agriculture found a way pay snap benefits, as they are called, earli than normal. february benefits, awarded through a debit-style card used at stores, are being paid out this week. several states, including california and florida, are warning users to be careful and make sure th manage to make the money last longer. for 2,500 retailers, the problem is already here. w at's because those stores needed to relicense for the electronic benefit transfer, or e.b.t. - debit card program fod failed to meet a deadline the shutdown. rsose renewals, required every five yare on hold. sarah jackson is an employee at one store in northern arkansas. >> we have been completely unable to take any f