Government Shutdown Threatens Food Aid for Millions as SNAP Funding Deadline Looms
The ongoing government shutdown risks cutting off food assistance to 42 million Americans if funding isn't restored by October 31. States have begun warning of delayed November benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as federal dollars dry up.
A Senate proposal to extend SNAP funding through the shutdown offers temporary hope, but the political stalemate over healthcare cuts shows no signs of resolution. The timing couldn't be worse - rising grocery prices from recent tariffs compound the potential crisis for low-income households.
USDA officials confirm states won't have sufficient funds to distribute full November benefits without a breakthrough in Washington. The program's abrupt halt WOULD mark the most severe consequence yet of the three-week budget impasse.
