USDA: SNAP Benefits Suspended Nationwide in November

USDA announced it will not issue SNAP benefits for November as the federal shutdown continues, putting roughly 40–42 million Americans — and WIC recipients — at risk of losing food aid. The agency said contingency reserves are being held for emergencies and will not be tapped to maintain benefits during the shutdown. The shutdown stems from a partisan standoff over health-care funding, with Democrats seeking an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies and Republicans insisting the government be reopened first. States are scrambling to respond: New York fast-tracked $30–40 million for food banks and is exploring sending students home with extra meals, California is moving about $80 million and deploying the National Guard to distribute food, Virginia declared a state of emergency, and some states such as Arkansas and Oklahoma are directing residents to food pantries. USDA warned states they would not be reimbursed later if they use state funds to cover federal benefits, raising legal and logistical concerns, and officials and charities warn food banks may be overwhelmed during the holidays unless Congress restores federal payments soon.