The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has warned that approximately 42 million people could see their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits suspended beginning November 1 if Congress fails to pass new funding.
According to a departmental memo, the agency cannot legally transfer money from its contingency fund to cover regular benefits because the appropriations lapse means that funding for the 2026 fiscal year has not been established. The memo also states that redirecting funds from other programs could undermine support for school-meals and infant-nutrition services.
The USDA emphasised that millions of low-income Americans and furloughed federal workers face immediate uncertainty unless lawmakers approve a short-term spending measure. Republican leaders say they have already passed a continuing resolution in the House. Democratic leaders are demanding the inclusion of extended healthcare-subsidy protections before moving ahead.
With more than one in eight Americans relying on SNAP each month, the standoff underscores how the government shutdown is quickly spilling over into household-level economic stress and worsening food insecurity across vulnerable communities.