As the ongoing US government shutdown extends into its second month, the nation’s federal food aid program, especially the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), faces unprecedented disruptions, putting millions of vulnerable Americans at risk of food insecurity. While federal judges have ordered the continuation of benefits through emergency funds, most states are unable to fill the funding gap due to financial and legal constraints, creating a severe crisis for food aid recipients.
SNAP Funding Halted Amid Shutdown
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it would stop distributing food assistance funds starting November 1, 2025, due to the shutdown and the exhaustion of federal contingency funds allocated to SNAP. About one in every eight Americans, approximately 42 million people, rely on SNAP to purchase groceries. The program typically provides an average monthly benefit of around $715 for a family of four, equating to roughly $6 per person per day.
The USDA stated that it could not use roughly $5 billion in contingency funds to continue payments, citing legal and financial restrictions amid the absence of a federal budget. This decision marks the first interruption of SNAP payments since the program’s inception over six decades ago, signaling a critical moment for food assistance in the US.
Federal Court Rulings Demand Continuation of Aid
Two separate federal judges, ruling in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, challenged the administration’s decision to halt SNAP benefits. They ruled the suspension likely unlawful and ordered the government to utilize emergency funds to maintain SNAP payments. The court mandated the USDA to provide a plan for at least partial continuation of benefits by the following Monday, emphasizing the program’s vital role.
These judicial interventions underscore the legal requirement for the government to support food aid recipients despite the political deadlock in Washington, ensuring that millions do not lose basic food security.
States Struggle to Cover the Void
Despite court rulings, the vast majority of states are financially or technically unable to step in to fund SNAP benefits on their own. Only five states—Delaware, New Mexico, Louisiana, Virginia, Vermont—and the District of Columbia have committed resources to covering some or all November food aid, often at significant budgetary strain.
Most states operate on fixed annual or biennial budgets, making unplanned expenditures of millions impossible without risk to other essential services like healthcare and education. The USDA has made clear it will not reimburse states that cover SNAP benefits during the shutdown, aggravating the states’ reluctance to assume this financial burden.
Food Banks Face Overwhelming Demand
With federal SNAP payments halted or delayed, food banks and charitable organizations face increased pressure. Nonprofit leaders warn that these organizations, already stretched thin, cannot meet the surge in demand that discontinuing SNAP benefits would cause. Food pantries nationwide are likely to be overwhelmed, unable to fully compensate for the loss of government food aid.
Feeding Texas CEO highlighted the ripple effects of the funding lapse, noting the catastrophic consequences for millions relying on SNAP, especially as existing efforts to support federal employees affected by the shutdown strain food bank supplies.
Political Impasse and Public Impact
The SNAP funding crisis is rooted in the broader government shutdown triggered by congressional impasse over budget appropriations. The stalemate centers around disagreements on healthcare funding and other priorities, with Democrats and Republicans locked in a deadlock that shows little sign of immediate resolution.
Lawmakers have been largely absent from Capitol Hill, with Senate and House chambers closed, further delaying negotiations and intensifying pressures on affected populations.
What This Means for SNAP Recipients
Millions of SNAP recipients face difficult choices as the shutdown drags on: for many, the loss of benefits could mean skipping meals, rationing food, or prioritizing limited funds toward rent and other essentials over groceries. Although some may have unused October benefits to draw from, the financial gap in November threatens widespread food insecurity.
Food aid interruptions risk driving up hunger and malnutrition among low-income Americans, particularly children, seniors, and those with chronic health issues who rely on consistent nutrition.
Looking Ahead: Potential Resolutions
While federal judges have directed the government to restore SNAP payments, the administration’s compliance and timing remain uncertain. Advocacy groups and state officials continue urging Congress and the administration to end the shutdown swiftly to restore critical services.
The disruption of SNAP benefits highlights the deep vulnerabilities in the US social safety net during political crises and the urgent need for sustainable funding solutions to protect millions from hunger.