Government Shutdown Halts November SNAP Benefits Impacting Millions Nationwide

The ongoing government shutdown has put Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits at risk across the U.S., prompting local responses to support affected residents. Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the city will allocate $29 million to continue SNAP benefits and $1.5 million for WIC through November, aiding approximately 141,000 individuals dependent on SNAP and over 12,500 on WIC. In Iowa, the USDA confirmed no SNAP benefits will be issued on November 1st, impacting about 267,000 recipients; local organizations like the Food Bank of Iowa are preparing to meet increased demand despite limited resources. Western New York faces similar challenges, with the USDA lacking funds for November SNAP payments, leading local groups such as Revolution Buffalo and Tops Friendly Markets to ramp up food assistance campaigns to support those in need. These efforts underscore the strain on food security caused by federal funding disruptions, with communities stepping in to fill gaps while urging the federal government to restore funding promptly.