The D.C. SNAP Saga Continues

November 5, 2025

During the longest federal government shutdown in history, D.C. residents faced a potential suspension of SNAP and WIC benefits beginning November 1st, threatening food assistance for approximately 85,000 households. Mayor Muriel Bowser intervened by directing the District government to temporarily fund these nutrition programs for November using $30. 5 million in contingency funds, which would later be recovered in the following year's budget.

Who is affected

Approximately 85,000 D.C. households consisting of 141,000 people receiving SNAP benefits
Over 12,500 residents in 6,300 households benefiting from WIC programs
Mothers, babies, and children under five years old
Federal workers who were furloughed or working without pay
Government contractors not being paid
District grocery stores and businesses that receive economic activity from SNAP spending
Sierra Perry and Sierra Stephens, Congress Heights residents concerned about the suspension

What action is being taken

Mayor Bowser is mandating the District government to honor SNAP and WIC obligations for November
The District is using $29 million for SNAP and $1.5 million for WIC from contingency funds
D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb is joining a lawsuit with 25 states suing the Trump administration
D.C. Hunger Solutions is advocating for federal action to address food insecurity

Why it matters

This matters because SNAP and WIC programs play critical roles in helping thousands of District residents and millions of Americans put food on the table each month. SNAP generates significant economic benefits, with every $1 of SNAP benefits producing $1.54 in economic activity spent at local businesses. Without these benefits, vulnerable populations including children would face malnourishment and families would be forced to choose between rent and food. The situation represents a preventable crisis that threatens the basic food security of the most vulnerable residents while local food banks and pantries cannot meet the scale of demand.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article beyond the November funding commitment and the ongoing lawsuit.

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer