USDA Suspends November SNAP Amid Shutdown

The USDA has suspended November SNAP benefit allotments during the federal government shutdown unless funding is restored, threatening food assistance for tens of millions of Americans. The agency has said it will not use multi-year contingency funds to cover SNAP during the shutdown, prompting legal challenges from dozens of states seeking to force use of that money and raising risks to Head Start and WIC funding. States and localities are pursuing varied emergency measures — some redirecting TANF or other funds, counties like Teller, Colorado, are coordinating local plans, and Hawaii plans to deploy $100 million in TANF for housing and utilities — but officials say these steps are limited. Food banks and pantries report surging demand and depleted inventories, with leaders warning the anticipated influx of households is unsustainable without additional funding, donations and volunteers. Officials and advocates are urging immediate Congressional action and public support, noting that even a rapid federal fix would still leave harmful delays for households that depend on SNAP.