Government Shutdown Threatens SNAP Benefits For 42 Million Americans Including 1.4 Million Ohioans

The federal government shutdown threatens November SNAP payments after the USDA warned benefits will not be issued on Nov. 1 because the administration said it will not tap roughly $5 billion in contingency funds, blaming Senate Democrats for the impasse. More than 200 House Democrats, including Rep. Jill Tokuda and Ohio’s five congressional Democrats, have sent letters urging Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to use available contingency funds or legal authority to protect benefits for about 42 million Americans. In Ohio, State Rep. Latyna Humphrey asked Gov. Mike DeWine to take immediate state action — including emergency appropriations via the Controlling Board, transfers from agency reserves, partnerships with food banks, and her introduced House Bill 502 — to prevent disruptions for 1.4 million residents. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services said remaining October benefits can still be accessed but warned November issuance may be impacted if the shutdown continues, and Franklin County officials pointed residents to local emergency food resources. Local food banks such as Broad Street Food Pantry report shrinking supplies and higher costs, saying they cannot make up the average SNAP shortfall (about $190 per person per month) and expect surging demand if benefits stop. The standoff hinges on contested legal interpretations about contingency funds and political blame, leaving millions at risk unless federal or state-level emergency measures are taken.