USDA Halts SNAP Refills; States Scramble

The federal government shutdown led the USDA to stop refilling SNAP benefits on Nov. 1, putting millions at risk and threatening to overwhelm food banks and local charities. In North Carolina about 1.4 million residents, including roughly 600,000 children, face interrupted benefits; Attorney General Jeff Jackson has sued the USDA while state officials consider tapping emergency funds. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry declared an emergency and lawmakers advanced a resolution to allow the state health chief to use up to $150 million per month to cover SNAP shortfalls. Oklahoma officials warned nearly 700,000 residents will be affected, saying costs could exceed $100 million per month and state savings cannot reliably cover the gap. South Carolina activated the One SC Fund to channel donations to food banks as states seek interim solutions amid uncertainty over federal contingency funds and reimbursement.