At least 25 states plan to cut off food aid benefits in November - Politico
Original story by: Politico
Last updated: Oct 23, 2025
Ad
- Context: A partial government shutdown, now in its fourth week, has led to the suspension of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits in several states. This is reportedly the first time a U.S. president has cut off these benefits due to a shutdown. States are struggling to cover these costs with their own funds and diminishing federal emergency aid.
Ad
Ad
- Detailed Summary:
- Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey stated that President Donald Trump is the first U.S. president to halt SNAP benefits during a government shutdown.
- The federal government's funding is crucial for SNAP, and state funding cannot compensate for the loss, with Massachusetts also ending benefits on November 1st.
- Nutrition programs, including SNAP and those for low-income mothers and infants, are affected by ongoing budget negotiations.
- States are using their own funds and emergency federal aid, but this emergency pot is quickly depleting, and the administration may need over $8 billion to sustain SNAP if the shutdown continues.
- Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins indicated that the reopening of the government is essential to resume SNAP payments, with hopes of a resolution by November 1st, though currently, half the states are experiencing SNAP shutdowns.
- SNAP serves over 42 million people, providing an average of $187.20 per month for groceries. The benefit pause is anticipated to impact families just before Thanksgiving and increase demand on food banks.
- Even with a funding deal, a delay is expected between the government reopening and states being able to disburse November benefits, with Kansas estimating a minimum three-day period to fully restart the program.
Ad
Ad