USDA Warns of Potential SNAP Benefits Suspension Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

Wed Oct 29 2025 07:50:10 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the U.S. government shutdown continues, the USDA has announced that federal food aid may not be distributed from November 1, threatening food assistance for millions of Americans.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a warning that due to the ongoing government shutdown, no food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be dispersed starting November 1. This development comes after a refusal to utilize contingency funds, leaving families at risk of food insecurity as negotiations in Congress stall.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that as the government shutdown drags on, crucial federal food aid, primarily through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), will not be disbursed on November 1. This has raised significant concerns nationwide.

The warning comes following a decision not to access $5 billion in contingency funds that could have ensured continued benefits throughout November. With SNAP supporting about one in eight Americans, the potential cessation of aid could severely impact families across the country.

The USDA's notice states, “Bottom line, the well has run dry,” indicating the critical nature of the situation. As the shutdown becomes one of the longest in U.S. history, its repercussions extend to millions of vulnerable citizens who rely on SNAP for essential grocery purchases.

Following the government closure that began on October 1, negotiations between Republican and Democratic lawmakers have remained stalled. While Republicans blame Democrats for the impasse, highlighting demands related to the Affordable Care Act, Democrats argue that an agreement to reopen the government should take precedence.

Concerns about families facing food shortages are rising, with some states taking measures to ensure SNAP benefits continue even without federal support. However, the USDA warns that states would not be reimbursed for assuming this financial burden.

Senator Chris Murphy expressed frustrations over the lack of negotiations, suggesting that a resolution could be reached promptly if discussions resumed. He emphasized the urgent need to address both the shutdown and the food assistance crisis before November arrives.