Officials in several states are making efforts to maintain food assistance for residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as a potential federal government shutdown threatens to halt benefits starting November 1.
In Louisiana, Vermont, and Virginia, state leaders have announced intentions to continue supporting SNAP recipients if the federal program is disrupted. However, details about how these plans will be implemented remain unclear. Vermont legislative officials noted they are waiting for guidance from the state administration on delivering the benefits.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency to ensure food aid reaches SNAP beneficiaries. A spokesperson said more information about how this will work would be provided later. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry stated his priority is to make sure “seniors, individuals with disabilities, and children who rely on food stamps do not go hungry in Louisiana,” but did not elaborate on the plan.
New Hampshire officials proposed increasing access to food through banks and mobile pantries, pending approval from a legislative committee. Vermont lawmakers also intend for the state to cover both food aid and heating fuel assistance that may be at risk.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said he would deploy the National Guard to assist food banks in response to possible disruptions. “This is serious, this is urgent – and requires immediate action,” he said.
Some states like Alaska, New Mexico, and North Dakota have considered using their own funds but cite technical obstacles and federal control over SNAP’s distribution system as barriers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees SNAP, has advised states not to send information to debit card vendors due to uncertainty about November funding.
Carolyn Vega of Share Our Strength commented on these challenges: “Without action from USDA, I think it is highly unlikely that any states would issue November SNAP benefits,” she wrote in an email. “On top of the technical challenges, states can’t shoulder that cost, especially with the risk it wouldn’t be refunded.”
SNAP provides monthly grocery assistance averaging $187 per person for low-income households via federally managed debit cards. With time running out before November payments are due, Congress or President Donald Trump could potentially end the shutdown or allocate money for continued benefits. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates a $5 billion contingency fund exists but it remains uncertain if it will be used; Senate Democrats have urged Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to release these funds.
Delays may still occur even if funding is secured soon.
The potential loss of SNAP means difficult decisions for recipients like Sylvia Serrano of Camden, New Jersey. She receives $100 monthly for groceries for herself and her four grandchildren—two with autism whose dietary needs cannot easily be met by food banks. Without SNAP support she says: “I would have to send less payment into a bill or something in order to cover the needs and then the bills are going to get behind.”
States such as Arkansas advise beneficiaries to identify alternative sources like pantries or family help and recommend using existing EBT balances before November 1. Missouri and Pennsylvania expect prior benefits will remain accessible into November; Oklahoma directs residents toward nonprofit resources online.
Food banks anticipate increased demand if SNAP payments stop. George Matysik of Philadelphia’s Share Food Program notes previous cuts have already strained resources: “Any time we have a crisis, it’s always the working class that feels the pain first,” he said.
