As the MAGA administration tightens its grip on the federal government, over 42 million Americans could soon face delays or cuts in their food assistance if the shutdown continues, putting one of the nation’s most vital lifelines in jeopardy. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, provides crucial help to low-income families but may run out of funds for November.
SNAP supports 1 in every 8 Americans
SNAP distributes over 90 billion dollars in benefits each year and covers nearly 9 per cent of all grocery spending in the United States, according to the US Agriculture Department. It supports around one in every eight Americans, including children, elderly and people with disabilities. But as the shutdown stretches on, the federal government has warned that it can no longer pay for the programme in November.On Thursday, a federal judge suggested she might order the Trump administration to release some funds. It remains unclear how many families will go without part or all of their grocery budgets next month.The programme helps households that earned little or no income in the previous month. In 2023, around 20 per cent of SNAP recipients had no income, while nearly all others earned less than 130 per cent of the poverty line — about 2,900 dollars per month for a family of three in 2025.
Who depends on SNAP?
According to Census data cited by the Washington Post, SNAP usage is most common among households with children, those where an adult has a disability, and those living in poverty.
- Households under the poverty line: 20 in 50 rely on SNAP.
- Households where someone has a disability: 10 in 50 use SNAP.
- Households with children: 9 in 50 depend on SNAP.
Racial and ethnic breakdown:
- Black households: 12 in 50 receive SNAP assistance.
- Native American households: 11 in 50 receive SNAP assistance.
- Hispanic households: 9 in 50 receive SNAP assistance.
- Asian households: 5 in 50 receive SNAP assistance.
- Non-Hispanic white households: 4 in 50 receive SNAP assistance.
Financial dependency on SNAP:
- SNAP pays for an average of 63% of recipients’ grocery costs.
- For the poorest families (earning below 50% of the poverty line), SNAP covers up to 80% of grocery expenses.
Uneven impact across the country
The effects will not be felt uniformly. Each state distributes SNAP benefits on its own schedule throughout the month, meaning delays or cuts could hit recipients at different times. If the shutdown continues, millions could face reduced or cancelled benefits by mid-November.SNAP recipients live in every congressional district, including some of the wealthiest in the nation such as Silicon Valley, Northern Virginia and Manhattan’s upper east and west sides. The potential loss of food assistance on this scale is unprecedented in American history.
States and food banks struggle to fill the gap
Because Congress has not approved funding for the fiscal year that began on October 1, the federal government says it cannot pay November benefits. Some states, including Louisiana, New Mexico and Vermont, have pledged to cover part of the missing funds, while others such as Colorado, Connecticut and Maryland are directing more money to food banks.But experts warn food banks cannot replace federal assistance. According to Feeding America, a national network of food pantries, SNAP provides nine meals for every one meal that food banks supply. Rising food prices and increased demand have already left many local organisations stretched thin.
