Millions of families could go without food aid next month, states have begun warning, as the government shutdown threatens November’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, commonly known as food stamps.
Starting Oct. 16, the state said, SNAP benefits would not be distributed until the shutdown ended and funds were released.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission notified Texans that SNAP benefits for November would not be issued if the shutdown continues past next Monday, Oct. 27.
“So you’re talking about millions and millions of vulnerable families, of hungry families that are not going to have access to these programs because of this shutdown.”
Flashback: During the last government shutdown, the USDA paid February SNAP benefits early, leaving low-income participants experiencing a longer-than-usual gap in receiving their safety net benefits.
As the government shutdown threatens November’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, or food stamps, states have started to warn that millions of families may not receive food aid next month.
The broad picture: Programs that assist the nation’s most vulnerable families are starting to feel the effects of the funding lapse as it continues without any indication of an agreement to reopen the government.
In November, state agencies were already preparing for sweeping. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill, SNAP will undergo modifications, including increased work requirements.
The biggest domestic food assistance program in the country is called SNAP.
Making headlines: Pennsylvania is among the states that warned benefits would not be paid in November 2025.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services stated in a scathing warning that “Because Republicans in Washington D.D. failed to approve a federal budget, which led to the shutdown of the federal government and the inability to pay SNAP benefits in November 2025. “,”.
Beginning in October. 16. According to the state, SNAP benefits would not be disbursed until the shutdown was over and money was available.
Residents were advised to call 211 or look for local resources if they needed food assistance right away.
Background An administration official stated earlier this month that there would be “insufficient funds” to pay full November benefits for approximately 42 million people in a letter to state agencies.
“Until further notice,” according to Axios’ Andrew Solender, the letter instructed states to hold off on distributing benefits to SNAP recipients’ electronic benefit transfer, or EBT, cards for November.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Department of Human Services in West Virginia stated that if Congress did not find a way to reopen the government “in the coming days,” it was “very likely” that the shutdown would postpone November benefits. “.”.
Facebook users shared the post, which stated the U. S. The state was instructed to postpone October benefits that were approved on or after October by the Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. 16.
Texans were informed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission that SNAP benefits for November would not be provided if the shutdown lasted past Monday, October. 28.
States like Illinois and Minnesota also issued warnings.
The statement made by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins last week was, “We’re going to run out of money in two weeks.”.
As a result of this shutdown, millions and millions of hungry and vulnerable families will not be able to avail themselves of these programs. “.”.
Flashback: Low-income participants had to wait longer than usual to receive their safety net benefits because USDA paid February SNAP benefits early during the most recent government shutdown.
Axios first revealed earlier this month that the White House would temporarily keep the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC, afloat during the lapse by using funds from tariff revenue.
SNAP cuts spook food banks: “Stretched to the breaking point”.
