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Will the US government shutdown halt food stamps?

October 24, 2025

TikTok creators are sharing budget meal tips as millions of Americans worry that the ongoing US government shutdown will interrupt their SNAP food benefits. The USDA has warned states that without additional funding, there may be "insufficient funds" to pay full benefits in November, impacting the approximately 40 million low-income Americans who rely on SNAP's average $6 per day per person benefit. The shutdown, which began in October, has prevented Congress from approving necessary spending, and while a $5 billion contingency fund exists, it would only cover about 60% of one month's benefits.

Who is affected

  • Approximately 40 million low-income Americans who receive SNAP benefits
  • People living paycheck-to-paycheck who rely on monthly SNAP benefits
  • Food-insecure individuals and families
  • Nearly three-quarters of SNAP recipients with gross monthly income at or below the poverty level
  • Emergency food providers facing increased demand
  • Grocery stores and vendors who participate in the SNAP program

What action is being taken

  • The USDA has instructed states to hold off on sending data to vendors who participate in the SNAP program
  • States are issuing notices that SNAP money may not be available on November 1
  • The US Conference of Mayors is championing the use of the $5 billion SNAP contingency fund
  • TikTok creators are sharing budget meal preparation tips and advising people to visit food pantries

Why it matters

  • SNAP provides essential support for people who might otherwise have to choose between paying rent or buying food
  • The program serves as a "critical local economic stabilizer" according to the US Conference of Mayors
  • Disruption to benefits causes increased food insecurity, higher demand on emergency food providers, and strain on municipal budgets and public health systems
  • The contingency fund would only cover about 60% of a month's worth of benefits
  • The average payout of $6 per day per person is vital for many people's monthly budgets

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC