Millions of Americans relying on the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) could see their benefits suspended beginning next Saturday, November 1, if the ongoing government shutdown is not resolved, according to state officials and federal sources.
SNAP, which provides monthly food assistance to nearly 42 million Americans, has continued operating through October because states received their funding allocations before the shutdown began on October 1.
However, an October 10 letter from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) warned state and regional SNAP directors that there will not be enough federal funding to sustain full benefits in November if the political stalemate continues. NBC News reported that several states have already begun preparing to suspend payments, raising alarms about a potential nationwide food crisis.
The USDA emphasized that the program—commonly known as food stamps—has never before been forced to halt during a government shutdown in modern history. Some state agencies are now urging recipients to plan ahead by purchasing shelf-stable goods and turning to food banks for backup support.
“If you have accrued SNAP benefits from previous months on your account, use those funds now to buy shelf-stable foods that can last through November and beyond,” advised the Arkansas Department of Human Services.
Food banks, however, warn they are in no position to absorb the demand. “There’s no way our charitable food network can provide that much food overnight. It’s an impossible task,” said Catherine D’Amato, CEO of the Greater Boston Food Bank. She estimated that Massachusetts could lose the equivalent of 56 million meals next month if federal funding dries up.
In Pennsylvania, the state has already stopped issuing benefits, informing residents that payments “will not be paid until the federal government shutdown ends and funds are released.” Texas has said payments will stop if the closure persists past October 27, and Wisconsin has told recipients that any unused October benefits “may not be available in November.”
State leaders across the country are scrambling to respond. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced he would declare a state of emergency to help provide food assistance, though details are still being finalized. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said ensuring seniors, disabled individuals, and children continue receiving food support will be his administration’s “top priority.”
New Hampshire is considering a plan to expand food access through food banks and mobile pantries, pending legislative approval. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom announced he will deploy the National Guard to support food distribution efforts, calling the situation “serious and urgent.”
SNAP provides low-income Americans with monthly debit card allotments for groceries at participating retailers. The average benefit amounts to about $187 per person. Most recipients live at or below the poverty line.
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which supplies food and formula to low-income mothers and children, is also nearing exhaustion despite an emergency $300 million infusion earlier this month.
A USDA spokesperson placed responsibility for the impasse squarely on congressional Democrats, saying, “Continue to hold out for healthcare for illegals or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive timely WIC and SNAP allotments.”
The USDA did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for further comment.