Shutdown Stalls SNAP Benefits Nationwide

As the federal government shutdown stretches into its 33rd day, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)-commonly known as food stamps-has run out of funding for November. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers SNAP, confirmed that no new benefits were issued on November 1, leaving millions of low-income households without their primary source of food assistance.

SNAP recipients typically receive an average of $187 per month loaded onto Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. While existing balances from October can still be used, no new funds have been distributed, and the USDA has not guaranteed retroactive payments once the shutdown ends.

⚖️ Federal Judges Intervene

In response to lawsuits filed by several states, federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island ruled on October 31 that the Trump administration must use contingency funds to issue at least partial SNAP payments. The USDA has access to $5.25 billion in discretionary reserves, which could be used to fund November benefits.

However, the administration has requested legal clarification before reallocating funds. President Trump stated on social media, "If we are given the appropriate legal direction by the Court, it will BE MY HONOR to provide the funding, just like I did with Military and Law Enforcement Pay".

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added that payments "could flow by Wednesday" if the courts provide a clear path forward.

State-Level Emergency Responses

With federal funding stalled, several states have launched emergency measures to support SNAP recipients:

• Arizona allocated $1.8 million to food banks and fresh produce voucher programs.

• Hawaii advised residents to conserve remaining EBT balances and prioritize essential food purchases.

• Other states are exploring temporary food assistance programs and partnerships with nonprofits.

These stopgap efforts vary widely by state and are not sufficient to replace full federal SNAP distributions.

Broader Impact and Uncertainty

The SNAP disruption is part of a wider crisis affecting federal services. National parks remain open but unstaffed, and ACA premiums have doubled in some states due to administrative delays. If the shutdown continues past Election Day (November 4), it will become the longest in U.S. history, surpassing the 35-day record set in 2019.

Social service advocates warn that food insecurity will spike sharply if SNAP benefits are not restored soon. Many families rely on these funds not just for groceries, but for nutritional stability and access to fresh food.

What SNAP Recipients Should Know

• Existing EBT balances remain usable, but no new funds have been added for November.

• Retroactive payments are likely if the shutdown ends soon, but not guaranteed.

• State-level aid may be available, depending on local emergency programs.

• Legal rulings are in progress, and federal agencies must respond to court orders this week.

Sources

ABC News

USA Today

CBS News