"As the government shutdown drags into late October, SNAP funding is in jeopardy. As the nation's largest food safety net, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps 42 million low-income Americans afford groceries. While a pre-shutdown memo from the US Department of Agriculture says the program has enough in the bank to fully distribute this month's checks, a longer shutdown could mean beneficiaries could see smaller benefit amounts next month."
""If the current lapse in appropriations continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits," Acting SNAP Head Ronald Ward said in a letter to regional program directors. Ward said the program is working on a "contingency plan," and directed states to delay sending their regular record of eligible SNAP households to vendors, which would give the program flexibility to delay or pause benefits next month if needed."
As the government shutdown extends into late October, SNAP funding is at risk. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides grocery assistance to 42 million low-income Americans. A pre-shutdown USDA memo indicates sufficient funds to distribute October checks, but a prolonged lapse could lead to reduced November benefits. Acting SNAP Head Ronald Ward warned of insufficient appropriations for full November payments and instructed states to delay sending household eligibility records while the program develops a contingency plan. SNAP costs roughly $100 billion annually, yielding monthly benefits from about $25 to $1,700. About 12% of Americans received benefits as of August 2025.
Read at Business Insider
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]