On November 1st, 2025, at least 25 states issued warnings and even paused SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown. In those same states, local organizations have been working tirelessly to mitigate the impact of paused SNAP funding by seeking out resources and providing extra support to food banks.
SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, provides food assistance to low-income families and individuals. Benefits are loaded onto EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards and can be used to purchase staple food items, including vegetables, fruits, dairy, meat, and beverages. They cannot be used for items such as supplements, pet foods, household supplies, or other non-food items. The amount of food assistance is influenced by various factors, mostly household size and income. Eligibility is also determined based on individual circumstances, including a monthly income limit. Based on income limits, other factors, such as household size and certain deductions (e.g., medical expenses for the elderly or disabled), can also affect the amount of assistance received.
SNAP has never lapsed during a government shutdown, and countless people are unsure of what to do next. The uncertainty about when their EBT cards will be reloaded again has put various recipients on edge, and many parents are left unsure of how they will feed their children. The major delay has forced millions of families to get by on small collections from food banks, the generosity of loved ones, or nothing at all. Gia Haley, a 41-year-old who relies on SNAP, was interviewed on NBC News. She stated that “I will get hunger pains at some point, but I just ignore them. I just tell myself I’m on a fast.” Food banks across the country are being stretched thin by the increasing number of individuals who require food assistance. Some food pantries have even been limited in the amount of food they can distribute or the number of families they can serve, as they strive to feed as many people in need as possible. There have even been some food pantries closing way too early because they’ve run out of stock.
Around four in five households that rely on SNAP benefits include a child, an older adult, or someone with a disability. Therefore, in addition to food, these families also have to pay for shelter, medical expenses, clothing, and other necessities. To be eligible, a family of three must have an income that’s below $35,000, which is already a pretty tight paycheck, especially when living with children, the disabled, or the elderly.
In recent weeks, there have been various disagreements among government officials regarding the restoration of SNAP benefits despite the government shutdown. As we approach Thanksgiving, millions of families are struggling with food assistance due to a lack of funds, as SNAP benefits have been cut/delayed. Even though the government shutdown is over, various low-income families and individuals across the country are still waiting for their EBT cards to be replenished so they can put food on the table.
