WASHINGTON (October 24, 2025) The Alliance to End Hunger calls on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to use its authority and available resources to prevent an unnecessary disruption to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for the month of November, and for as long as the government shutdown continues.
On October 1 the federal government shut down following Congress’ inability to pass new funding legislation or a temporary “continuing resolution.” On October 10, USDA directed state agencies to delay sending November processing information to companies that process SNAP benefits. The following week, it was reported that the Secretary of Agriculture stated that USDA would run out of funding for SNAP food assistance in November.
One in eight people in the United States, approximately 42 million people, utilize SNAP to purchase food. SNAP improves food security, increases access to nutritious foods, and serves our most vulnerable neighbors. Eighty percent of SNAP households include a child, a senior, or a person with disabilities. Nearly two-thirds of SNAP benefits go to families with children.
USDA’s Fiscal Year 2026 shutdown plan previously posted online stated “Congressional intent is evident that SNAP’s operations should continue since the program has been provided with multi-year contingency funds…multi-year contingency funds are also available to fund participant benefits in the event that a lapse occurs in the middle of the fiscal year.” USDA has significant funding available through SNAP’s contingency reserve and can supplement these funds with other revenue sources, such as Section 32 Customs collection funds, to ensure SNAP benefits continue uninterrupted.
We appreciate USDA’s work to ensure that funds were identified and transferred to keep the Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) operating in October. We urge USDA to continue to fund WIC and to similarly make funds available for SNAP benefits in November and longer, if needed.
Time is of the essence, and we urge USDA to provide guidance to state administrators as soon as possible to avoid families losing these critical nutrition supports.
