Food assistance programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) are a lifeline for millions of households across America. But right now, that safety net is under threat. With the federal government shut down and no clear end in sight, federal funding that supports SNAP beyond October is uncertain. If Congress doesn’t act, November benefits could be delayed, reduced, or even suspended.
This isn’t just a federal problem it’s a state problem, too. How states manage SNAP, how reliant their populations are on it, and how they act during the crisis will shape who goes hungry next month. In this article, you’ll see:
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Why SNAP is vulnerable during a shutdown
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What the government has done so far to warn states
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Which states are most at risk
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What options states and families have
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What you should watch in the coming weeks
Why SNAP Is Vulnerable in a Shutdown
How SNAP Funding Works
SNAP is federally funded but administered by states. The USDA provides most of the money, but states also cover parts of administration. Because the program relies on annual appropriations, it’s vulnerable when Congress fails to pass a budget or continuing resolution.
When a shutdown happens:
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States may run out of money to pay benefits beyond the current month.
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The USDA instructed states to delay sending data files that allow EBT systems to load cards for November, effectively pausing the process.
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SNAP benefits for October are generally safe (already funded) but November is uncertain.
What the USDA’s Warning Means
On October 10, the USDA’s acting SNAP head sent letters urging states not to send their usual issuance files to EBT vendors. This gives flexibility to pause or delay benefits if funding doesn’t come through.
States with earlier submission deadlines are at greater risk of missing the window to load benefits.
In short: unless the shutdown ends or funding is approved quickly, many states may find they don’t have legal authority or cash to distribute November SNAP benefits fully.
Which States Are Most Vulnerable And Why
States vary widely in how much of their population depends on SNAP, how robust their reserves or contingency planning are, and how early they submit issuance data. Here are factors that make some states more vulnerable:
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High SNAP Participation Rates: States with large numbers or percentages of residents relying on SNAP (e.g. New Mexico, Mississippi, Louisiana) are especially exposed.
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Early Issuance Deadlines: States that must send EBT data early in the month could miss USDA’s paused window.
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Tight state budgets / low reserves: States under fiscal pressure may lack the flexibility to bridge funding gaps.
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Limited alternative funding sources: Not every state can mask a gap from reserves or emergency funds.
Examples & observations:
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Minnesota has already prepared for potential benefit suspension. The state told its counties not to approve new SNAP applications, pending clarity on November funding.
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New Mexico is heavily affected because over 1 in 5 residents receive SNAP.
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In some states, new SNAP applications are being paused.
Because each state submits EBT issuance data on a distinct schedule, the impact may be staggered some states might see delays, others potential disruption, depending on timing.
What States and Families Can Do
For States
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Delay submission of EBT issuances (as USDA directed) to preserve flexibility.
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Use state rainy-day or reserve funds to temporarily bridge the gap (if possible).
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Coordinate with local governments, nonprofits, and food banks to prepare for increased need.
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Provide clear communication to recipients about potential delays or reductions.
For Families & Recipients
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Plan for possible delays: stock up on non-perishables where possible.
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Stay informed via state SNAP / human services websites about announcements or changes.
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If benefits are delayed, seek community food assistance (local food banks, charities) as backup.
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Recheck eligibility and renewals promptly states may still process renewals even if new benefits are delayed.
What to Watch in the Coming Days
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Whether Congress passes a continuing resolution or budget to reopen funding.
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USDA or federal announcements reversing the delay directive.
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State-level updates: which states confirm delays, interruptions, or full payments.
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How food banks and community organizations respond to increased demand.
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Any legal action or emergency appropriations to maintain SNAP payments.
The risk to November SNAP benefits is real, especially if the government shutdown continues. While October payments are likely safe, millions of Americans could be left without the food support they depend on in just a few weeks. The impact will differ by state, depending on how early they process benefits, how many depend on SNAP, and how prepared they are to step in.
Now more than ever, states, nonprofits, and communities must act to buffer harm and Congress must move quickly or risk a humanitarian crisis.
