'The Well Has Run Dry': USDA Says SNAP Benefits Will Expire For 41 Million People If Shutdown Persists

The USDA warned that over 41 million Americans would lose their food assistance benefits (SNAP) next month due to the ongoing government shutdown. This would occur if Congress fails to pass a funding agreement to keep SNAP operational. The shutdown, which has reached its 25th day, stems from disagreements between Senate Republicans and Democrats. The USDA declared that the program's resources had been exhausted, preventing benefit issuance from November 1st. In Fiscal Year 2024, SNAP supported an average of around 41.7 million people monthly. The federal government fully finances SNAP, with states contributing to administrative costs; spending reached almost $100 billion. According to a USDA memo, emergency funds cannot be used to keep SNAP running without a funding agreement from Congress. The memo's stance contradicts a previous shutdown plan, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Some states raised concerns about beneficiaries possibly losing access to already saved funds. Other states, like Hawaii, assured that pre-October benefits would still be available, advising beneficiaries to use them promptly.