Shutdown Halts Food Assistance for Millions of Americans After November 1

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that food assistance benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will not be issued starting November 1 due to the ongoing government shutdown. The USDA’s announcement heightens concerns for the more than 40 million Americans who rely on these benefits to buy groceries each month.

“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the department stated in a notice on its website, attributing the impasse to ongoing negotiations with Senate Democrats. SNAP helps about one in eight Americans, making it a crucial funding source for many household grocery budgets.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration opted not to utilize contingency funds totaling around $5 billion, which could have helped continue SNAP benefits into November. Officials have defended this decision, saying the reserve funds should be used only for true emergencies such as natural disasters.

“This is perhaps the most cruel and unlawful offense the Trump administration has perpetrated yet,” said Congresswomen Rosa DeLauro and Angie Craig in a joint statement. They criticized the administration for providing financial assistance to other nations while domestic needs go unmet.

Democratic lawmakers have urged Agricultural Secretary Brooke Rollins to access the contingency reserve, arguing that there are still significant funds available for the program. However, a memo from her department states that these funds cannot be used for regular benefits.

Governors from states across the country are issuing warnings to SNAP recipients about the potential halt in benefits and are advising families to seek local food pantries as a backup option. Meanwhile, some states are pledging to use their own funds to cover the shortfall, but they have been warned that the federal government will not reimburse them.

SNAP benefits typically provide an average of $715 a month for a family of four, which translates to about $6 per day per person. Many recipients see SNAP as their primary source of food, which raises fears about the health and well-being of vulnerable populations should these benefits cease.

Total impacts of the looming SNAP cuts are yet to be seen, but food banks have already expressed concern. With Thanksgiving approaching, they fear being unable to meet surging demands as families struggle to afford basic meals during this critical time.

As the shutdown stretches into its 26th day, lawmakers from both parties are under pressure to address the issue quickly. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy has called for negotiations to avoid a deeper crisis. Meanwhile, Missouri Senator Josh Hawley has introduced bills aimed at funding food stamps and farm programs during the shutdown.

Looking ahead, the looming end to food assistance is prompting urgent calls for action to prevent further hardship for struggling families.