As the government shutdown continues, funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are at risk In states across the country.
SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, are funded by the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The federal government shares the costs of operating the program with the states, while the states operate their own programs.
Funds are sent to states monthly, so October benefits were not affected. However, November’s gains are in jeopardy due to a 23-day government shutdown on Thursday.
States like Texas, Florida, New York, pennsylvaniaWisconsin and New Jersey have warned that if the shutdown continues, SNAP recipients will lose access to benefits starting Nov. 1.
According to USDAAn average of 41.7 million people received monthly benefits in fiscal year 2024. That year, the federal government spent $99.8 billion on SNAP, with a monthly average of $187.20 per participant.
States have expressed concerns over SNAP benefits
For example, the Florida Department of Children and Families, november snap benefits said Will not be released until the shutdown ends. In Texas, the state Health and Human Services Commission Note if shutdown continues Last Monday, November benefits would not be released.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) said in a release on October 16 that nearly 3 million residents of his state would lose access to SNAP benefits starting November 1.
In a statement to The Hill, a USDA spokesperson called on Senate Democrats to “reopen the government so that mothers, infants, and the most vulnerable among us can get timely benefits to SNAP and USDA’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.” The government shutdown continues amid pressure from Democrats to permanently extend subsidies provided through the Affordable Care Act.
The share of residents receiving SNAP benefits varies by state. According to USDAUtah (4.8 percent) and New Mexico (21.2 percent) had the lowest and highest shares of residents receiving benefits in FY 2024, respectively.
Louisiana has the third-highest share (18.4 percent) of residents receiving benefits, behind only New Mexico and Washington, D.C. On Thursday, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry (R) said SNAP recipients “may run out of money” by early November.
Landry, in a releaseSaid he is in discussion with other governors and is “making it a top priority to ensure that seniors, individuals with disabilities and children who rely on food stamps in Louisiana do not go hungry.”
according to New Jersey Department of Human ServicesIt’s “unclear” whether SNAP recipients can use money they received before Oct. 31 in November. Hill has contacted the USDA for clarification on whether they can do this.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers (D) warned that food aid would be extended to 700,000 people ends in novemberHe urged the Trump administration to “use every legal administrative option available” to ensure access to the program’s benefits.
States have encouraged SNAP recipients to check with local food banks for support in lieu of benefits.
Cut off occurs after snap overhaul
food assistance program was also overhauled This summer by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law By President Trump in July.
The law went into effect immediately, but the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service gave states until November 1 to comply. The Act, among other provisions, Some exceptions were removed The program’s work requirements are for able-bodied adults without dependents between the ages of 55 and 65 and adults with dependents between the ages of 15 and 18.
Homeless people, veterans, and people 24 and under also must comply with work requirements, which stipulate that a person must prove he or she is working at least 80 hours per month, receiving education, or in a training program to qualify for SNAP benefits.
according to Congressional Budget OfficeThe work requirement provisions of the budget law would reduce the number of SNAP recipients in an average month by 2.4 million by 2034.
