Federal Shutdown Causes SNAP Food Aid Delays Across Multiple U.S. States

The federal government shutdown has caused a delay in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits across several states, impacting millions of Americans reliant on food assistance. In Idaho, SNAP payments for November are postponed, with President Donald Trump's administration opting not to use backup funds, leading to lawsuits from multiple states alleging illegal suspension of benefits. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced a state-supported initiative to assist food banks, including volunteer mobilization and a $1 million donation match to mitigate the impact of the SNAP delay. Oregon's Governor Tina Kotek and other officials urged the USDA to deploy emergency contingency funds to ensure uninterrupted SNAP benefits, highlighting the economic and social consequences of the shutdown. North Carolina communities are organizing local efforts to provide food aid amid uncertainty, as the USDA confirmed it would not tap into contingency funds for November SNAP operations. These responses underscore the widespread concern over food insecurity and the call for federal action to maintain essential nutrition programs during the funding lapse.