Millions of Americans are on the brink of losing essential food assistance as the ongoing federal government shutdown halts funding for SNAP, the largest anti-hunger program in the U.S.
Last week, the Trump administration announced that these benefits would cease on November 1 and cautioned states against using EBT cards, stating that they would not be reloaded “until further notice.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the program, emergency funds are “not legally available” during the shutdown.
This halt could jeopardize support for roughly 42 million individuals, including the elderly, children, and those with disabilities.
In an October 10 letter to state officials, the Department of Agriculture instructed them to delay benefit distribution for November. The $5 billion emergency fund is only earmarked for natural disasters, making it unavailable for this shutdown, the department clarified.
A group of over 20 Democratic attorneys general and three governors have initiated legal action against the Trump administration, claiming that SNAP’s entitlement status mandates continued payments even without a spending deal.
Additionally, 46 Senate Democrats urged the Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, to tap into her reserve funds for this purpose.
Governors across the nation are now rushing to address this gap.
On October 23, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency and promised to use state funds to maintain food benefits “until Congressional Democrats prioritize Virginians over politics.”
His office estimated that the plan would cost around $37.5 million weekly.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry announced that benefits would be extended until November 4, utilizing state resources.
Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed the National Guard and set aside $80 million in emergency funding to assist food banks and support the 5.5 million CalFresh recipients in the state.
“This situation is serious and requires immediate action,” Newsom stated.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared $30 million in state funding to ensure that “no New Yorker goes hungry this holiday season,” aiming to provide over 16 million meals.
Hochul has criticized Republicans for the federal government’s shortcomings, labeling the shutdown as “cruelty” toward working families.
Other states like Colorado, New Mexico, Connecticut, and Minnesota are directing millions toward food banks and pantries.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis stated that $10 million from the state’s general fund would be allocated for emergency relief, with half aimed at child-focused food charities.
Conversely, some Republican-led states, including Arkansas and Mississippi, are attributing the situation to Democrats, claiming the shutdown is a result of their actions.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders informed over 2,700 retailers that the state could soon lose SNAP funding, urging Democrats to fulfill their obligations to families and small businesses.
In Pennsylvania, officials noted that benefits for November would not be provided, adding that “the Commonwealth cannot backfill these costs.”
With benefits likely ceasing, food banks are bracing for a significant increase in demand.
In Georgia, 1.4 million residents rely on SNAP, accounting for over $3 billion in groceries annually.
Hawaii has allocated $100 million to assist families with food, rent, and utilities, though officials agree it won’t fully replace SNAP.
Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands have also announced temporary emergency funds to maintain partial nutrition programs until early November.
Even states that have funds available face challenges, as the USDA has instructed them not to send new payment files to vendors during the shutdown due to a lack of legal funding authority.
This situation effectively prevents states from loading benefits onto existing cards, even if they can manage their own payments.
Currently, the average SNAP recipient receives about $187 a month. While households that set aside some of their October benefits can still use their EBT cards, no new funds will be added.
The impact is already palpable. Food pantries nationwide, from Miami to Seattle, are experiencing long lines and depleted shelves.
Officials in states like Missouri and Oklahoma have advised residents to exhaust their remaining balances by the month’s end and seek assistance from local organizations.
The USDA has not indicated when benefits will be restored, with EBT card refills nationwide halting Friday at midnight unless a funding agreement is reached in Congress.
This marks the first disruption in the program’s 90-year history caused by government mismanagement.
In private initiatives, DoorDash announced it is teaming up with 300 food banks to deliver one million free grocery meals and waive shipping fees on 300,000 grocery orders for SNAP users as part of its “Emergency Food Response” campaign.
Additionally, Gopuff has committed to donating up to $10 million in free groceries and offering SNAP users a $50 credit for November deliveries.
Both companies aim to serve as a temporary solution until federal funding is reinstated.
