**SNAP Benefits Could Run Out Starting Nov. 1 if Government Shutdown Persists**
Recipients of the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) may see their benefits dry up beginning next Saturday, Nov. 1, if the current government shutdown continues, according to reports and government authorities.
SNAP, which provides food assistance to nearly 42 million Americans each month, was able to maintain funding through October because states received allocations prior to the shutdown on Oct. 1. However, in an Oct. 10 letter to state and regional SNAP directors, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) warned that there wouldn’t be enough funding to cover full benefits in November if the stalemate carries on, NBC News reported.
Some states have already announced plans to suspend SNAP payments next month. Such a move could drastically disrupt food access for millions across the country. The program, which allocates funds to states monthly, has never gone dark during any previous government shutdown in modern history.
**State Officials Advise Recipients to Prepare for Potential Interruptions**
Several state officials are urging SNAP recipients, also known as food stamp beneficiaries, to stock up on shelf-stable groceries and turn to food banks for additional support.
“If you have accrued SNAP benefits from previous months on your account, use those funds now to buy shelf-stable foods that can last through November and beyond,” the Arkansas Department of Human Services advised on its website.
However, food banks have criticized this approach, citing limited resources to fill the gap.
“There’s no way that our charitable food network or the system in this country can provide that much food overnight or quickly. It’s an impossible task,” said Catherine D’Amato, CEO of the Greater Boston Food Bank, in an interview. She estimated a potential loss of 56 million meals in Massachusetts next month if funding runs out.
**States Already Taking Action or Warning Recipients**
– **Pennsylvania** has already halted benefits, stating that “starting October 16, SNAP benefits will not be paid until the federal government shutdown ends and funds are released to PA.” The state asked recipients to “be patient and respectful to our staff” during this period.
– **Texas** announced benefits will stop if the shutdown extends beyond Oct. 27.
– **Wisconsin** warned recipients that leftover October funds “may not be available in November,” advising them to use benefits to stock up before the end of the month. “Benefits may not be available in November,” read an official letter.
– **Oregon** and **Massachusetts** state treasurers reported that their states currently have no contingency plans if federal funding for SNAP is not restored.
Other states have proposed plans with less detail:
– **Virginia** Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, pledged to declare a state of emergency to support SNAP beneficiaries but has not provided specifics on how food benefits would be distributed.
– **Louisiana** Gov. Jeff Landry, also a Republican, stated he would prioritize ensuring that “seniors, individuals with disabilities, and children who rely on food stamps do not go hungry in Louisiana.”
– **New Hampshire** officials announced a plan to increase food access via food banks and mobile pantries, pending approval by a GOP-controlled legislative committee.
– **California** Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, said he would deploy the National Guard to assist food banks. “This is serious, this is urgent and requires immediate action,” Newsom emphasized.
**What Recipients Need to Know**
Lower-income families who qualify for SNAP typically receive debit cards loaded monthly by the federal government to purchase groceries at participating retailers. The average monthly benefit is $187 per person, with most recipients living at or below the poverty level.
Additionally, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), another federal nutrition program that supports low-income women and children, faces the risk of running out of funds by the end of October despite a $300 million infusion earlier this month.
A USDA spokesperson framed the ongoing funding issues as a political standoff, urging: “Continue to hold out for healthcare for illegals or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive timely WIC and SNAP allotments.”
The USDA did not immediately respond to requests for further comments.
*With Post wires.*
https://nypost.com/2025/10/24/us-news/snap-recipients-told-to-purchase-shelf-stable-goods-as-funding-deadline-looms-amid-government-shutdown/