The 1.6 million Georgia residents who receive food stamps will get their benefits in two parts next month.

Georgia's Division of Family and Children Services announced the change to the normal timing of food stamp distribution as a way to make sure recipients won't have to wait too long between getting their benefits. DFCS manages the state's food stamp distribution.

February benefits were issued on Jan. 14 at the direction of the U.S. Department of Agriculture during the federal government shutdown.

DFCS will send those who receive food stamps half of their monthly benefits on March 2. The division will distribute the other half on a staggered schedule between March 5 and 23.

April benefits will be delivered according to each recipient’s usual schedule.