Food Aid Secure Until October, Faces Risk If Shutdown Persists

The future of food aid in the U.S. hangs in the balance as the government shutdown extends. The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), a critical lifeline for nearly 40 million low-income Americans, is facing significant uncertainty as we approach November.

Current Situation of Food Aid

SNAP serves approximately 1 in 8 people in the United States. Each month, beneficiaries receive funds via prepaid cards to purchase groceries. While other social safety net programs like Social Security and Medicaid are expected to continue operating during the shutdown, SNAP’s unique funding structure places it at risk.

For the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, SNAP expenditures exceeded $100 billion. About 41.7 million individuals relied on the average monthly benefit of around $187.

Future Funding Concerns

The shutdown began on October 1, leading to concerns about SNAP benefits for November. The U.S. Department of Agriculture notified state agencies on October 10 to halt the submission of data necessary for processing benefits. While this pause does not definitively prevent benefits from being distributed, it raises alarming questions about the program’s future.

• SNAP is crucial for millions of Americans, particularly in states with high reliance, such as New Mexico, where more than 20% of residents participate.
• New Mexico’s monthly SNAP costs are approximately $90 million, adding urgency to the discussions about continued funding.

As advocacy groups predict challenges, Carolyn Vega of Share Our Strength warns that the outlook for November isn’t promising. The possibility of discovering interim state or federal funds could help, but significant hurdles remain.

Impacts on States

Different states are implementing their responses. For instance, Minnesota’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families halted new SNAP applications as of October 18, indicating a possible suspension of benefits imminently. Commissioner Tikki Brown highlighted the potential severe impact of disrupted assistance on families across the state.

Connecticut officials are expressing concern that states may not receive federal reimbursement for any expenditures made if SNAP funding is interrupted. As Deputy Commissioner Peter Hadler pointed out, if federal funding ceases, the EBT network may be shut down, preventing access to benefits.

Policy Changes on the Horizon

The government shutdown is not the sole factor affecting SNAP. While the budget updates are unfolding, legislative changes are also impacting the program directly. Recent laws enacted by Congress have introduced new work requirements for certain age groups and shifted administrative costs to states.

• Effective immediately, adults aged 14 to 17 years and those aged 55 to 64 face new work requirements.
• Starting in October 2026, states will be responsible for three-fourths of SNAP’s administrative costs.

This evolving landscape around SNAP highlights the urgency to resolve the current government shutdown. The implications for millions who rely on food assistance are profound and necessitate immediate attention from lawmakers.