Federal Government Shutdown Halts SNAP Benefits for 500K Nevada Residents

Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are set to be halted starting November 1, affecting millions of Americans, including over 477,000 Nevada residents. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that contingency funds cannot be used to cover regular SNAP benefits due to legal restrictions reserving these funds for disaster response. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo stated that federal law prevents the state from using its own funds to replace SNAP benefits, although he has directed state agencies to bolster support for food banks and community partners. Food banks like the Food Bank of Northern Nevada and Three Square are bracing for increased demand amid limited resources, highlighting the growing strain on low-income families during the shutdown. Nevada officials and congressional representatives have expressed concern and called for bipartisan efforts to resolve the shutdown and mitigate its impacts, while community leaders prepare emergency food assistance measures. The situation underscores the severe consequences of the shutdown on food security and public assistance programs nationwide.