November SNAP Benefits Halted: Implications and Next Steps for Millions of Americans

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently issued a stark warning: the federal government will not be distributing food assistance in November as the ongoing government shutdown drags on. “The well has run dry,” the notice states, highlighting the dire situation facing millions of Americans.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is federally funded but managed by individual states. Under the USDA’s shutdown contingency plan, the agency can dip into reserve funds to keep SNAP running if the government shutdown extends beyond a month. However, the Trump administration has indicated it will not utilize this option.

According to the USDA’s announcement, “At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01. We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats.” This situation leaves over 40 million people, or roughly 1 in 8 Americans who rely on SNAP benefits to afford food, in a precarious position.

Additionally, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which aids low-income pregnant women, mothers, and young children, is also facing an imminent funding shortage. This could impact approximately 7 million individuals who depend on WIC for essential nutrition.

Will my state be issuing SNAP benefits in November?

Each U.S. state is reacting to the news differently. While some are tapping into emergency funds to keep benefits flowing, others are directing residents to seek out help from food banks and charities.

Virginia declared a state of emergency in order to free up emergency funds. New York is issuing $41 million in emergency food aid. Colorado’s governor requested the state legislature use up to $10 million from the state’s general fund to support food banks and tide over food assistance.

In California, benefits were expected to be disrupted, but Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state is fast-tracking $80 million in funds for food banks. California will also be deploying National Guard troops to help distribute food.

“This is serious, this is urgent – and requires immediate action,” Newsom said.

Arkansas and Oklahoma, on the other hand, are advising recipients to identify food pantries and other groups that help with food.

“Oklahoma Human Services urges households to plan ahead and carefully budget,” the state agency said in a press release.

Similarly, Georgia and Utah are letting residents know not to expect new November benefits, but they should still be able to use any leftover benefits that weren’t used in October.

For all SNAP beneficiaries in any state, their EBT cards will still work in November. Any unused benefits from prior months will roll over and the balance will still be accessible after Nov. 1.

The USDA has said it will not be reimbursing states that use their own money to keep SNAP benefits flowing during the shutdown.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.