The USDA announced that contingency reserves have been exhausted and that federal law prohibits their use for routine benefits. Without congressional action, states will not receive funding to issue November SNAP payments.
In a notice to state agencies, the USDA said: “At this time, there will be no benefits issued on November 1.” The decision follows weeks of uncertainty as the shutdown forced furloughs and reduced operations across multiple departments.
The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) estimates that affected households include 12 million children, 5 million seniors, and more than 1.5 million veterans nationwide. Local food shelves and food banks are preparing for a surge in demand.
Economists warn that a prolonged halt to SNAP could harm grocery retailers and farmers. Every dollar in SNAP generates about $1.50 in local economic activity, according to USDA data. A funding lapse could result in billions of dollars in lost sales and wages across the food sector.
Lawmakers have proposed short-term spending measures to restore aid, but negotiations remain stalled in Washington. President Donald Trump has said he supports resuming essential benefits but urged Congress to include “fiscal accountability” measures in any deal.
Here’s a table summarizing recent data for the SNAP and the estimated number of people potentially affected by the upcoming benefit pause.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average monthly participants in 2024 | ~ 41.7 million people (~12.3% of U.S. population) |
| Federal spending on SNAP in 2024 | ~$99.8 billion |
| Average benefit per participant per month | ~$187.20 |
| Participant share by age group (2023) | Children ~39% • Adults 18-59 ~42% • Adults 60+ ~19% |
| ~ 41.7 million people (~12.3% of the U.S. population) | Up to ~ 42 million people |
According to the latest available data (FY 2023), about 35.4 % of SNAP participants are non-Hispanic white, 25.7 % are non-Hispanic Black, 15.6 % are Hispanic of any race, 3.9 % are non-Hispanic Asian, 1.3 % are non-Hispanic Native American, and 17.0 % are listed as “race unknown.” The program serves Americans of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, driven by income and household need rather than race.
State impact and response
In Minnesota, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) confirmed that no new November SNAP payments will be distributed until federal funding resumes. Officials are advising residents to conserve October benefits and connect with local food-assistance programs for temporary support.
Twin Cities food banks are extending emergency hours as Governor Tim Walz announced a $4 million state subsidy to support them, addressing a gap in federal assistance that will impact nearly 440,000 Minnesotans, including 180,000 children and 67,000 seniors, who will lose grocery benefits. However, MFIP cash benefits will continue as usual.
“The charitable food system can’t replace SNAP, but we’ll do everything possible to make sure families don’t go hungry,” said Allison O’Toole, CEO of Second Harvest Heartland.
Local organizations, including The Food Group, Loaves & Fishes, PROP, and Neighbors Inc., are coordinating distributions across Hennepin, Ramsey, and Dakota Counties.
Resources
Here is a list of resources for those experiencing food insecurity. We encourage our readers who may not have internet access to visit their local public libraries to print and save the resources listed.
Food
- Call 2-1-1 for statewide food-assistance referrals.
- Visit hungersolutions.org for a list of food shelves in Minnesota.
- Feeding America provides a national directory of food banks.
- Check the Minnesota Department of Human Services SNAP page for official updates.
- Find help map
Transportation
- Call 2-1-1 for statewide transportation referrals and ride assistance.
- Visit metrotransit.org/tap for reduced-fare public transit options in the Twin Cities.
- Check with your human services office for non-emergency medical or essential ride programs.
- Go to usa.gov/disability-transportation for national transportation aid and accessibility resources.
