USDA Warns of SNAP Benefits Shortage in November Amid Ongoing Shutdown

Amid the ongoing government shutdown, concerns are rising regarding the funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for November. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has indicated that if the shutdown continues, it may not have enough funds to cover the full SNAP benefits for about 42 million Americans.

Potential SNAP Benefits Shortage in November

The USDA’s letter, dated October 10, warns state agencies of the anticipated funding shortfall if the closure persists. This situation emerges after congressional leaders failed to agree on federal funding for the fiscal year 2026, leading to some government agencies shutting down on October 1.

Impact on States

State officials, including those from North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, have started alerting SNAP recipients about the possible lack of November benefits. Typically, states provide data on eligible households to their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) vendors each month. Currently, however, the USDA has instructed states to pause this reporting.

• 42 million individuals nationally could be affected.
• The shutdown began on October 1, following a funding impasse.
• Possible lack of funds could disrupt benefits for millions.

Contingency Planning by the USDA

The USDA is working on a potential contingency plan for SNAP operations should the shutdown extend. They have multiyear contingency funds, which are meant for administrative costs and potentially for participant benefits. However, the exact amount available in this reserve remains unclear.

Historically, during the 2018-2019 government shutdown, the USDA expedited payments by issuing February benefits early. In that instance, Congress also intervened by passing emergency funding to ensure continued payments in March.

Understanding SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, often referred to as “food stamps,” is a critical federal initiative aimed at assisting low-income individuals and families in accessing healthy food options. Participants receive monthly benefits through an EBT card, functioning like a debit card, which can be utilized at authorized retailers for groceries.

As of 2024, SNAP serves an average of 41.7 million people each month, accounting for approximately 12.3% of the U.S. population, according to USDA statistics.