Millions May Lose November SNAP Benefits

The federal government shutdown threatens to delay or halt November SNAP benefits for millions nationwide — including about 5.5 million Californians, more than 3.5 million Texans (roughly 721,000 in North Texas) and over 667,000 Missourians — putting heavy pressure on families and food providers. State and local leaders are scrambling: New Mexico is using $30 million to cover roughly ten days of benefits and issued an executive order to shore up its food system; Missouri released $5 million early to food banks; and California is fast-tracking $80 million, mobilizing the National Guard and joining litigation to compel use of federal contingency funds. Cities, food banks and community groups are setting up donation sites, meal locations and stockpiling supplies, while restaurants in Texas have offered specials to SNAP cardholders and local data show high concentrations of recipients in parts of Dallas and Fort Worth. Advocates warn demand will spike and impacts will be uneven, with California’s Latinx communities — who make up a majority of CalFresh enrollees — particularly at risk. Legal uncertainty about federal contingency funding and how long states can sustain benefits leaves gaps that could force food banks and mutual-aid networks to remain the primary safety net if SNAP payments are interrupted.