Sat Oct 25 11:10:00 UTC 2025: News Article:
Shutdown Threatens Food Assistance for 42 Million Americans
WASHINGTON – Millions of Americans relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, face uncertainty as the government shutdown continues. A US Department of Agriculture (USDA) memo, obtained by CNN, reveals that the agency does not plan to utilize its $6 billion contingency fund to cover SNAP benefits for November, putting food assistance for approximately 42 million people at risk.
The memo states that “contingency funds are not legally available to cover regular benefits,” as the appropriation for those benefits “no longer exists” due to the shutdown. States will also not be reimbursed if they attempt to use their own funds to cover the shortfall.
The news contradicts President Trump’s statement that “everybody is going to be in good shape,” regarding food stamp funding. He did not provide details on how this would be accomplished, creating further confusion.
The potential loss of SNAP benefits intensifies the pressure on Congress to end the shutdown, which began on October 1st. Democrats have stated they will not support a short-term spending bill unless it includes an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies. Republicans blame the Democrats for the impasse, accusing them of harming American citizens.
While Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins warned that food stamps will run out by the end of the month, Democratic lawmakers and SNAP advocates insist the USDA should use the contingency fund to cover the estimated $8 billion in November benefits. They point to the agency’s past use of funds for priorities like paying troops.
“Secretary Rollins’ claim that the Trump Administration is unable to deliver November SNAP benefits during a shutdown is unequivocally false,” said Sharon Parrott, president of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Earlier this month, the Trump Administration shifted $300 million to keep WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) operating. This move provided food aid to nearly 7 million pregnant women, new moms and young children.
This is not the first time food assistance has been jeopardized during a government shutdown. In 2018, the USDA initially announced the end of SNAP benefits. This, however, ended after the shutdown ended in late January.
About one in eight Americans depend on SNAP, which provides an average monthly benefit of $188 per person.
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