USDA Announces Suspension of SNAP Benefits Starting November 1 Amid Government Shutdown

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has notified state agencies that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be issued starting November 1, 2025, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This suspension affects approximately 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP for food assistance.

In a statement, the USDA indicated that contingency funds are insufficient to cover November benefits, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the budget impasse.

State officials have expressed concern over the impact on vulnerable populations. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry stated that if the shutdown continues, SNAP benefits will not be uploaded to Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards starting November 1.

The USDA has directed states to hold November SNAP issuance files and delay transmission to EBT vendors until further notice.

The federal government shutdown began on October 1, 2025, and has now become the second-longest on record. The impasse centers on disagreements over extending expiring subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.

The suspension of SNAP benefits is expected to increase demand on food banks and other assistance programs. In Washington, D.C., the Capital Area Food Bank is preparing for a surge in need, launching new food distributions for federal workers and contractors affected by the shutdown.

The USDA has advised SNAP recipients to monitor communications from their state agencies for updates and to seek alternative food assistance resources as needed.