Millions of Americans could face a significant reduction in their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to a government shutdown rooted in disputes between the Trump administration and Democrats.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) indicated on Friday that it would not access emergency funds allocated by Congress to support SNAP if the shutdown continues past that date.
This decision has drawn strong criticism from Democrats, who argue it’s a tactic aimed at intensifying pressure to resolve the shutdown.
Here are five important aspects of this developing situation.
42 million Americans at risk of losing support
In the 2024 fiscal year, approximately 41.7 million people relied on SNAP benefits, with the federal government disbursing around $99.8 billion for the program—averaging about $187.20 per participant each month, according to USDA data.
While SNAP is federally funded, states manage the program and its costs. Monthly federal funds go to states, meaning that while benefits for October aren’t yet affected, November could be problematic.
Democrats urge USDA to use reserve funds
The USDA maintains that the ongoing shutdown doesn’t qualify as an emergency that warrants using the emergency fund, which is intended for unexpected events like natural disasters, as outlined in a recent memo. It claims that allocating these funds to SNAP would be illegal.
This stance contradicts an earlier plan from the USDA, stating the agency would legally need to continue issuing SNAP benefits during a shutdown.
“It’s a shameful neglect of duty for the Trump administration to intentionally deny food assistance to 42 million children, seniors, and veterans,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, criticizing the refusal to tap into reserves.
Democratic representatives Rosa DeLauro and Angie Craig called the policy both a legal violation and a “cruel” attack on impoverished Americans.
“This may be one of the cruelest and unlawful actions the Trump administration has committed: freezing legally allocated funds to feed hungry Americans all while opening doors internationally and reaping vast financial rewards,” they stated.
Republicans shifting blame to Democrats
Republicans are increasingly directing attention toward Democrats, urging them to recognize the potential impact on SNAP benefits to compel them to end the shutdown. They argue that refusing to support a stopgap spending bill could harm some of the nation’s most vulnerable populations.
“Forty-two million individuals across the U.S. are going to suffer because Democrats are more concerned with their grievances against President Trump,” remarked Rep. Steve Scalise from Louisiana.
“This situation is having a profound effect on actual families,” he added.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) echoed similar sentiments, asserting that Democrats are hindering access to crucial SNAP support for those in need.
“I believe around 42—no, 43—million Americans depend on this vital service, and it’s unfathomable to deny them during such a crisis,” he stated.
SNAP funding bill introduced in the House
If SNAP benefits do stop during the shutdown, lawmakers from both parties may face backlash, given that households from both sides of the aisle depend on these benefits.
On Friday, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) introduced the SNAP Funding Preservation Act of 2025. This legislation would enable the USDA to maintain food assistance funding during the shutdown until regular funding is established.
This bill accompanies a Senate proposal, led by Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, currently under consideration for a vote.
“Over 262,000 residents in Iowa, including more than 100,000 children, depend on SNAP for meals. They shouldn’t be made pawns in political games. I’m introducing this legislation to ensure uninterrupted SNAP funding during this crisis. Access to nutrition is non-negotiable,” Miller-Meeks expressed.
States struggling to cope
Regions like Texas, Oklahoma, California, and New York are bracing for the impending crisis due to the looming potential for SNAP benefits to cease.
Prior to the USDA memo, officials in New York had already warned that SNAP benefits might be halted in November.
Some states, such as Virginia, claimed they would utilize state funds temporarily to offset the shortfall. However, the USDA indicates these expenses won’t be reimbursed, and many states lack sufficient resources for their own funding.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers mentioned that food assistance for around 700,000 people could run dry in November and urged the Trump administration to “use all available legal and administrative avenues” to facilitate continued access to SNAP.
Meanwhile, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry stated that they could deplete funding by early November and assured that he is collaborating with peers to prioritize ensuring that no vulnerable residents—including seniors and children—suffer from hunger.
Louisiana ranks third in the nation for SNAP reliance, following New Mexico and Washington, D.C., with about 18.4% of residents receiving benefits.
States are advising SNAP beneficiaries to reach out to local food banks for help in the absence of expected benefits.
