The federal food-assistance program known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is facing a major disruption: the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that no November 2025 benefit payments will be made, a consequence of the ongoing federal government shutdown.
What’s behind the halt?
At the core of this issue is the fact that SNAP is entirely funded by federal appropriations. Because Congress failed to pass a continuing resolution or full spending bill to keep the government funded for fiscal year 2026, the shutdown (which began October 1, 2025) is now disrupting programs across the board.
In late October, the USDA issued a memo telling states that, without a funding appropriation, payments for November cannot go forward. The agency also stated that it will not tap its roughly $5 billion contingency reserve to cover the shortfall.
That reserve fund would cover only part of the cost of one month’s benefits (estimated at $8-9 billion), and the USDA argues the contingency money is legally reserved for disasters, not for general funding gaps due to a shutdown.
Who is affected – and what does it mean?
About 42 million Americans rely on SNAP each month for grocery assistance. With the November payments suspended, these households confront real hardship.
Here are some key takeaways:
- If you already have SNAP benefits deposited for October on your EBT card, you can continue to use them as usual
- But for November, unless Congress acts or the government reopens, no new benefits will be loaded. Each state is under instruction to hold off on the November issuance
- Some states are stepping in with emergency declarations or their own funds to slot in temporary relief
- Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Mexico, Vermont, and Virginia – among a few others – announced they will supplement SNAP funding in some way, or stock local food banks using state funds.
What can SNAP-eligible households do now?
Given the interruption, here are some steps to consider:
- Check your current EBT account balance—know how much you have left and plan groceries accordingly.
- If possible, use the remaining benefits sooner rather than later. Stocking up on non-perishable, healthy staples while funds are available may reduce risk.
- Explore emergency food assistance: local food banks, pantries, and community meal programs. Many states are pointing residents to these resources.
- Stay updated on announcements from your state’s human services or agriculture department and the USDA. Any change in funding status could trigger benefit issuance.
- Continue applications or renewals if you’re newly eligible—processing is ongoing even if issuance is delayed.
- Adjust your budget: reduce non-essential spending, look for alternative assistance programs (such as WIC or local church/food-service programs), and plan for tighter food budgets this month.
What about Thanksgiving?
With the holiday season approaching, this disruption adds new stress. Families that count on SNAP to help cover groceries for holiday meals may need to scramble for alternatives. Food banks and community kitchens may face increased demand, and households may need to plan differently this year.
Food Resources
Even with SNAP benefits paused, there are still many ways families can find help putting food on the table this Thanksgiving. Below are several nationwide programs and networks offering free meals, food boxes, and community support:
The Salvation Army
Many local Salvation Army centers host special Thanksgiving events, such as free dinners or take-home food baskets for families. To see what’s available near you, visit the Salvation Army USA website and select your state or local chapter.
Feeding America
Feeding America partners with thousands of food banks and pantries nationwide to distribute groceries and serve hot meals. You can use their online Food Bank Locator to search by ZIP code for Thanksgiving meal programs or grocery box pickups near you.
AmpleHarvest.org
AmpleHarvest.org helps connect households with local food pantries and community gardens in all 50 states. Their searchable map makes it easy to find nearby organizations that may be offering Thanksgiving food distributions or fresh produce donations.
United Way’s 2-1-1 Helpline
If you’re not sure where to start, simply dial 2-1-1 or go to 211.org. This national service connects callers to local resources, including free meal sites, pantries, and emergency food programs operating throughout the holidays.
Local Faith and Community Organizations
Across the country, neighborhood churches, mosques, synagogues, and community centers are stepping in to host free Thanksgiving dinners and distribute food baskets. Check local listings through 2-1-1 or Feeding America for details on upcoming events in your area.
Final thoughts
The suspension of November 2025 SNAP benefit payments underscores how deeply a federal shutdown can affect everyday life—especially for vulnerable households. Because funding appropriations were not resolved, SNAP’s normal monthly cycle is interrupted. States, communities, and households are now left to absorb the impact.
If you or someone you know relies on SNAP, this is a time to check balances, reach out for backup food-assistance resources, and stay vigilant for updates. The situation remains fluid—and how it resolves depends on whether Congress acts or the government reopens, in the near term.