SNAP Paused for 42 Million; Partial Payments

The government shutdown paused SNAP benefits on Nov. 1, jeopardizing assistance for about 42 million Americans, including roughly 16 million children; two federal judges ordered the USDA to continue payments and the administration said it would tap contingency funds to partially finance benefits. Those contingency-funded payments are expected to be about half of normal allotments, and many payments are delayed or unevenly distributed, leaving millions with reduced or no benefits while timing and amounts remain uncertain. Food banks and pantries nationwide — from Anchorage and the Bay Area to Buffalo, Billings and metro Atlanta — report sharp surges in demand, many seeing first-time users, doubled lines and pantries expecting roughly 50–60% increases in need this month. Providers warn charitable capacity can only bridge the gap short-term and that logistical hurdles to loading SNAP/EBT cards (federal, state and vendor steps) can take days to weeks, complicating staggered or weekly deposits. Local governments, nonprofits, volunteers and businesses are expanding services and donations as courts and advocates press for full funding, and officials urge affected families to contact local food banks, 2-1-1 hotlines, United Ways and Feeding America networks for emergency resources.