Shutdown Threatens SNAP Benefits for Millions

The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service has notified states that November SNAP funding will not be issued amid the federal government shutdown, prompting multiple states to warn beneficiaries that their benefits will be paused if the shutdown continues. Officials say Pennsylvania (nearly 2 million people), New Jersey (~800,000), Tennessee (~700,000), Colorado (more than 600,000 recipients and about $120 million in November benefits), Maine (~160,000) and North Dakota (~60,000) are among those that may see interruptions, and USDA warned as many as 42 million people nationwide could be affected. Food banks and pantries report surging demand and dwindling supplies as local providers scramble to fill gaps, while federal rules limit states’ ability to use their own funds to load EBT cards and cuts to other USDA programs have reduced available support. Elected officials and advocates are urging USDA and Congress to tap contingency or reserve funds and resolve the shutdown, noting Congress has often acted to preserve SNAP in past shutdowns. States are processing applications, coordinating with food banks and nonprofits, and urging recipients to use remaining EBT balances and for the public to donate or volunteer to avert widespread hunger in November.