The U.S. government shutdown has now lasted 17 days, and it’s putting food help for millions of families at risk. Officials say SNAP benefits for October are safe, but if the shutdown does not end soon, November payments may not come. More than 42 million Americans could lose their food assistance next month.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) told states to pause all November SNAP payments until further notice. This means people using EBT cards will not see their usual food funds in November if Congress doesn’t pass a new budget. SNAP, also called food stamps, is 100% paid by the federal government, and states can’t replace that money on their own.
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State agencies in Illinois, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Colorado have started warning families that their food aid is on hold. Many states have also stopped taking new SNAP applications, and anyone applying after October 16 may only get a small amount for the rest of this month.
Officials say the USDA needs about $8 billion every month to run SNAP. Without new funding, the program will run out of money by the start of November. This could leave millions of children, seniors, and low-income families without enough food.
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People are being urged to use any October balance now and look for local food banks or community pantries for help. State offices say they can’t send emergency payments or appeal the loss of benefits while the shutdown continues.
The next vote to reopen the government is set for October 20, but it’s still not clear if lawmakers will reach a deal. If no agreement happens, SNAP benefits will stop until the shutdown ends.
Here’s what people should do now:
- Keep using October SNAP funds on your EBT card.
- Save any food you can and plan ahead for next month.
- Visit local food pantries or community centers for extra help.
- Watch for updates from your state’s human services website.
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The SNAP program, once called the Food Stamp Program, helps families buy food when money is tight. Without it, many could face empty shelves and hunger. As the shutdown drags on, more Americans worry about how to feed their families in the weeks ahead.
If the government does not reopen soon, the nationwide SNAP cutoff will begin on November 1, affecting millions of homes. Families are waiting, hoping Congress acts in time to keep food on their tables.
