Government Shutdown Threatens SNAP Benefits for 42 Million

The ongoing federal government shutdown, now extending beyond two weeks, threatens to halt Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting November 1, potentially cutting off food aid for over 42 million Americans. States including Minnesota, Kansas, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Illinois, Texas, and West Virginia have warned that SNAP funds will be depleted if the shutdown persists, with some already suspending new enrollments or warning recipients of missed payments. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins highlighted that the program, which is fully federally funded, will run out of money in about two weeks, affecting vulnerable families nationwide and accusing Congressional Democrats of prolonging the shutdown over disputes involving Obamacare premium subsidies. SNAP has a contingency fund of approximately $6 billion, but November benefits are projected to cost around $8 billion, leading USDA to direct states to delay issuance of November benefits. The shutdown began on October 1 after Congress failed to agree on a stopgap spending bill, with no immediate resolution in sight, raising fears of significant food insecurity among millions reliant on SNAP. State officials and the USDA stress the urgent need for a government reopening to avoid disrupting critical nutrition assistance.