The fight continues over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a Depression-era government-funded program commonly referred to as food stamps.
On Nov. 1, SNAP recipients didn’t receive their monthly benefit amid the ongoing government shutdown, which is now the longest in US history. Since Oct. 1, federal funding for multiple agencies has come to a halt, and many federal workers, such as TSA employees and air traffic controllers, have either been furloughed or missed paychecks due to the shutdown.
Then, in a new court filing on Nov. 3, the US Department of Agriculture said that a partial SNAP payment will be issued this month.
Next, President Donald Trump contradicted that statement on his own social platform, Truth Social. Blaming the Democrats for the shutdown, he said SNAP recipients wouldn’t see benefits until the government opened again.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt then said that the administration is “fully complying” with the court filing. Leavitt said partial food stamp payments would be issued this month, but didn’t provide an exact date: “It’s going to take some time.”
During fiscal year 2024, nearly 42 million low-income Americans relied on SNAP for crucial food assistance. According to data from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, more than 62% of those were families with children, and the average SNAP benefit for one household member was $163 per month.
Now, millions of people are waiting for delayed monthly payments and scrambling to find alternative ways to feed their families.
Until there’s a resolution, state agencies, mutual aid groups and food-focused companies, including HelloFresh, DoorDash and Instacart, are stepping in.
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What is going on with SNAP benefits?
Donating to or volunteering at your local food bank is the simplest way to help hungry Americans in your neighborhood.
To find a food bank near you, visit Feeding America’s website and type in your zip code. Some state government websites provide similar information, but not all do. You can donate food or volunteer to work in food banks.
You can also look for ways to help your community. Check the websites of charities, nonprofits and service organizations, as well as mutual aid services, including community fridges, for information on local resources.
Facebook groups, online forums, local schools, hospitals and religious organizations are also running programs to help families purchase groceries or receive meals delivered. Before donating food, double-check with the organization about what is most needed.
See if your state offers assistance
Some state governments are activating emergency assistance programs for individuals and food banks, including those in California, New York, West Virginia, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Minnesota, Connecticut, and Washington. There will also be week-to-week state emergency benefits in Delaware, rent and utility payment relief in Hawaii, funding for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program in Kentucky and a new Emergency Nutrition Assistance initiative to distribute funds in Virginia.
Some other states have also declared states of emergency or ordered the National Guard to assist in distributing food.
