SNAP benefits halt warning November crisis: Millions at risk as SNAP benefits may stop in November — government shutdown threatens food assistance for 41 million Americans, states urge families to prepare as food banks brace for surge

Millions of Americans could face sudden hardship this November. The government shutdown is threatening to halt SNAP benefitsleaving families across the country in uncertainty. Over 41 million people depend on these monthly payments to buy essential groceries.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a critical lifeline. It helps low-income households access nutritious food. Children, seniors, and vulnerable adults rely heavily on it to meet daily needs. Any disruption could have serious consequences for public health and family stability.

State agencies are issuing urgent warnings. They report that contingency funds will cover SNAP only through October. Without immediate federal action, November benefits may not be processed. This puts millions at risk of going hungry or undernourished.
Texas is among the first to alert residents. Officials warn that all SNAP payments for November could be suspended if the shutdown continues past October 27. Families are being encouraged to plan carefully and seek alternative food support.

In Californiamillions of residents may lose access to CalFresh benefits. The state is mobilizing food banks and even deploying the National Guard to assist families in need. Authorities urge households to act quickly and reach out for community assistance.

Pennsylvania and Illinois have also started notifying residents about potential delays. Some payments were already paused in mid-October, creating uncertainty for millions. Nearly 2 million people in Illinois could see their benefits stopped starting November 1 if the shutdown persists.Food banks and community organizations are preparing for a surge in demand. With SNAP benefits at riskthese programs may struggle to meet the needs of families suddenly facing food insecurity. Local agencies are calling for public awareness and cooperation.Experts stress the importance of federal intervention. Passing a spending bill or temporary funding measure could prevent a nationwide crisis. Millions of Americans depend on SNAP for survival. Immediate action is critical to ensure no one goes hungry in November.

What is SNAP and why does it matter?

SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a federal government program that helps low-income individuals and families purchase food. It is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), making it the largest nutrition assistance program in the United States.

SNAP provides monthly food benefits through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which recipients can use to buy groceries such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, meats, breads, and cereals at participating stores. The benefit amount depends on household size, income, and expenses, aimed at providing a thrifty, nutritious food plan to those in need.​

SNAP matters deeply because it is a critical lifeline for millions of Americans—over 42 million people in 2024—who rely on it to afford basic meals and maintain adequate nutrition and health. The program helps reduce food insecurity, especially among vulnerable populations like children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Without SNAP, many households would struggle to buy enough food each month, increasing hunger and malnutrition. The program also stabilizes family well-being during economic downturns by supplementing food budgets, helping families meet their dietary needs in difficult times.

Why are November SNAP benefits at risk?

November SNAP benefits are at risk because the ongoing 2025 U.S. federal government shutdown has caused a lapse in federal funding. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is fully federally funded, relies on federal appropriations to distribute monthly benefits to about 40 million low-income Americans. Due to the shutdown starting October 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers SNAP, has instructed states to hold or suspend November benefit payments until the government reopens and funding is restored.

Several states, including Texas, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, New York, and others, have already warned that if the shutdown continues, they will not be able to issue November benefits, which could leave millions without this critical food assistance.​

Key Reasons for November SNAP Benefits at Risk

• SNAP is 100% federally funded, and the shutdown means no new funds can be released to states for November issuances.
• USDA directed states to hold November benefit files until further notice, effectively suspending payments.
• Without federal funding, states cannot distribute benefits electronically or otherwise.
• The funding lapse impacts millions of households dependent on SNAP for food security.
• States are warning beneficiaries about potential halts, delays, or suspensions of November benefits.

Impact and Alternatives

• Recipients who have leftover funds from previous months on their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards can still use those funds.
• States encourage affected individuals to seek additional help from food banks and community resources.
• Past shutdowns have seen delayed payments processed as backpay once funding resumes, but timing and assurances remain unclear for 2025.
• The lack of SNAP benefits shortly before the holiday season is expected to increase hardship for low-income families and strain food banks already dealing with funding challenges.

Which states are warning about suspended benefits?

Several states have issued alerts about potential interruptions to SNAP benefits. Residents are being urged to plan ahead:

• Texas: SNAP payments for November could be suspended if the shutdown continues past October 27.
• Pennsylvania: Some benefits were already delayed in mid-October due to the funding gap.
• California: Millions of residents could lose access to CalFresh, with state resources like food banks being mobilized to help.
• Illinois: Nearly 2 million people may lose benefits starting November 1.
• Minnesota, New York, Wisconsin: States have halted new SNAP applications and warned about potential disruptions.

These warnings highlight the nationwide scale of the issue and the need for immediate action to prevent food insecurity from worsening.

What does this mean for families and food banks?

If SNAP benefits are halted, families will face significant challenges in feeding themselves and their children. Food banks are likely to see increased demand, and community organizations may struggle to meet the need.

• Food banks are already stretched thin due to high demand.
• Families may need to rely on local charities and pantries for support.
• Children and seniors in low-income households are at higher risk of going hungry.

The potential pause in SNAP benefits could force many households to make difficult choices between food, rent, and other necessities.

How can individuals prepare if snap benefits stop?

People who rely on SNAP should take proactive steps to prepare for potential disruptions.

• Stay updated through your state’s human services or social services department.
• Reach out to local food banks and community programs for support.
• Plan grocery shopping carefully to stretch current resources.
• Consider reaching out to local representatives to voice concerns about the shutdown.

Being informed and prepared can help families navigate this period of uncertainty and reduce the immediate impact on their households.

What steps are states taking to help?

States are mobilizing resources to mitigate the impact of a potential SNAP benefit halt.

• Some states are deploying food banks and local aid organizations to help residents.
• Emergency funds may be allocated temporarily to support families in extreme need.
• Public service announcements are being issued to educate residents about options and resources.

While these measures provide some relief, they cannot fully replace the federal SNAP benefits that millions of Americans rely on.

Why is quick federal action necessary?

Immediate action from the federal government is critical to prevent a widespread crisis.

• Millions could face food insecurity if SNAP benefits stop in November.
• Local agencies and food banks cannot fully compensate for federal funding.
• Families across the country need stable support to avoid hunger and hardship.

Passing a spending bill or temporary funding measure could prevent a large-scale disruption of food assistance and ensure that families continue to receive SNAP benefits without interruption.