Federal food assistance for more than 42 million Americans is at risk as the ongoing government shutdown continues with no agreement in sight between Democrats and Republicans over a spending plan, as reported by Fox News.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) warned Thursday that funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — formerly known as food stamps — is expected to run out by November 1. The memo, obtained by Fox News Digital, was sent to state agencies overseeing the program.
“It requires about $8 billion each month to fund SNAP benefits nationwide. When there’s no funding it impacts not just pockets of people, but it’s going to impact people all around the country,” said Rev. Eugene Cho, president and CEO of Bread for the World, a nonprofit hunger advocacy organization.
Several states have already begun warning residents about possible funding lapses, while Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency Thursday to ensure food benefits continue during the federal funding impasse.
Cho noted that the severity of the impact will vary from state to state. “Yes, funding comes from the federal government, but the administration of it happens through local states,” he explained.
“And so, when it comes to SNAP, states are on a little bit of a different rhythm in terms of how they’re conveying the reduction or the elimination of SNAP benefits.”
The USDA also warned that the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, which serves nearly 7 million women and young children, could soon run short of funds as the shutdown drags on.
The political stalemate in Washington has drawn sharp criticism, with Republicans accusing Senate Democrats of prolonging the shutdown by refusing to pass a clean continuing resolution (CR).
“We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats,” a USDA spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “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 House passed a seven-week extension of fiscal year 2025 funding on September 19, but the measure has failed 12 times in the Senate, where additional Democratic votes are needed to overcome a filibuster.
Senate Democrats have demanded that any resolution include extended Obamacare subsidies and the repeal of Medicaid cuts included in the GOP’s One Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., warned that Democratic inaction risks devastating consequences.
“Millions of American families are about to lose access to food assistance because Democrats are openly admitting to being afraid of their far-left base and refuse to reopen the government,” Thompson said.
“We need to reopen the government, so we can put Americans first by making sure families can put food on the table and our farmers are supported.”
The Trump administration has redirected some federal resources to cover shortfalls, including $300 million from tariff revenues for WIC funding and defense research funds to ensure military paychecks are met. However, these measures are temporary.
Democrats have urged the administration to access the government’s $5 billion SNAP contingency fund.
“It’s time the administration do right by seniors, children, and veterans and utilize the SNAP contingency fund to ensure benefits can be provided for November,” said Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said Thursday that the administration could use the emergency funds but has chosen not to. “There’s about $5 billion available in a contingency fund for emergency circumstances just like this,” he said.
“But the administration refuses to agree to use it. Why? Because they want to starve the American people as part of their continuing effort to visit cruelty on everyday Americans.”
Unless Congress acts, SNAP benefits are expected to expire nationwide within days, leaving millions without assistance and amplifying pressure on Democrats to reach a deal to end the shutdown.
